FOI - [ROYAL COMMISSION] - PANE, Verity - Royal Commission legal
team costs
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access granted
LEX ID
47338
(part)
File notes
Date
Type
DVA officer
Timeframe days
15 Feb 2022
FOI: s22(1)(a)(ii) Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
- irrelevant/out
of scope
Exempt information removed from documents.
15 Feb 2022
FOI: s47F -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Personal privacy
Redacted personal information (surnames and contact information) of non-SES staff from documents. Also
withheld Document 9 - an excel spreadsheet containing the health information of veterans, due to size of
documents redactions not practical in the circumstances.
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s47E -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Certain
operations of
agencies
Under s 47E, removed last names and other identifying details of non-SES staff, to prevent the risk of an
adverse effect on operations of agency.
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s17 -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Document
creation
Under s 17 created a table containing information requested by applicant (Document 1).
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s22(1)(a)(i) Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
- exemptions
applied/edited
copy
Under s 22, removed exempt material from the documents.
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s47F -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Personal privacy
Relied upon s 47F in redacting personal information from Document 4, due to the document containing
personal information about APS employees that would be unreasonable to disclose in the circumstances.
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s47E -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Certain
operations of
agencies
Relied upon s 47E in redacting some information from Document 4, due to document containing information
regarding APS employees (such as names and other identifying details) which, if released could disrupt
DVA operations through al owing established lines of communication to be bypassed.
24 Jan 2022
FOI: s47 -
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
commercial
valuable trade
secrets
Relied upon s 47 in redacting material from Document 1, due to document containing information regarding
the charge-out rates of contractors from relevant companies.
24 Jan 2022
1.1.1 Clock stop Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Clock stopped. Reason: Decision sent to applicant.
24 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Primary decision and docs ready to be sent out - currently in drafts.
24 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Decision sent to Derek for his adoption.
24 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Consultations were not considered required for 47F and 47 exemption application at this stage, due to
personal information being redacted and business information (related to the value of commercial contracts)
being publicly available, or set to be publicly available on Aus Tender.
20 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Draft decision sent to M s 47E; s 47F to QA - 20.01.22 - C s 47E; s 47F
19 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Received table created under s 17 FOI Act from Ken; drafted reasons for decisions, which are now saved in
r-drive and also sitting in email draft for review.
19 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
I have now requested that Ken s 47E; s 47Fcreate a table for cost of Royal Commission Contractors to the DVA,
in line with Ms Lane's FOI request.
17 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Ken has confirmed via email that, with exception to the names of specific APS staff that wil need to be
redacted, all the details included on the contracts including value of the contracts etc is already publicly
available. It therefore appears that third party consultation wil not be required.
17 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Received signed search minute and documents from Kenneth s 47E; s 47F, General Counsel Division. As noted in
earlier file note, Ken stated that he believed he had access to all documents within scope. Saved documents
and signed search minute in r-drive.
12 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn Horgan
Spoke with Ken s 47E; s 47F (s 47E; s 47F ) on the phone to confirm he was aware of the due date and the
short turnaround time. He confirmed that he was aware and also let me know that he has already col ected
most of the documents and wil shortly send the documents for sign off. Confirmed with Ken that the request
is currently only with him, due to People Operations letting us know that they did not have any relevant
documents, and that we have not sent the request to any other business areas. Confirmed with Ken that it is
not necessary to send the request to any other business areas due to his area having access to all relevant
files.
11 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Search minute sent to LSA RC section and people operations - C s 47E; s 47F
10 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Drafted Search Minute Request emails to both Legal Services and People Operations. Both emails currently
in draft form waiting to be sent
6 Jan 2022
1. File note
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Acknowledgement Email sent 6 January 2022 by Sneha (Position number: 62315639)
Dear Verity Pane,
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 47338
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (department)
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your request was received by the department on 23
December 2021 and was made in the following terms:
‘ … I've heard DVA has a DVA Royal Commission Legal Team of about 25 people working in DVA's
General Counsel Division.
There is interest in the community as to what the purpose of this DVA Royal Commission Legal Team is,
what it does, what law firms have seconded their staff to it, and how much this is al costing the taxpayer.
I seek copy of the following documents (it is likely to be easier for DVA to do as a table rather than provide
copy of the source documents as it wil mean a lot less work for DVA in redaction/consideration):
* the cost of all contractors employed within the DVA Royal Commission Legal Team, broken down by law
firm/personnel agency seconded from (with number of contractors from that law firm/personnel agency) -
cost may be at fortnightly, monthly, or yearly basis as suits DVA
* the cost of all APS staff employed within the DVA Royal Commission Legal Team, broken down by
classification - cost may be at fortnightly, monthly, or yearly basis as suits DVA
* copy of any position/duty statement for the positions within the DVA Royal Commission Legal Team
* any other document directly relevant to what the purpose of this DVA Royal Commission Legal Team is,
what it does, what law firms have seconded their staff to it, and how much this is al costing the taxpayer,
that DVA reasonably believes gives such context....’
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a decision on your request is 22 January
2022.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you (section 15AA of the FOI Act).
Also, the due date may be extended by an additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the department is required to undertake a third
party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or 27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the department
will notify you.
Additionally, there are occasions where the time to process your request may be suspended. This wil
usually take place if a practical refusal consultation process takes place (section 24AB of the FOI Act) or if a
charges notice is issued to process your request (section 29 of the FOI Act). If the department decides that
either of these apply to your request, the department wil notify you.
We wil write again when the department has more information. Further information on FOI processing can
be found at the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at
https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be published online on our disclosure log
at https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom-information/foi-disclosure-log subject to certain exceptions,
such as if the documents relate to your own personal information. The Department wil advise you in its
decision whether details of your request wil be published on the disclosure log or not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please advise if you would prefer us to use
an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Yours sincerely,
Sneha (Position number: 62315639)
23 Dec 2021
1.1.1 Clock start Kate s 47E; s 47F
30
Clock started
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
LEX_Request_13May2022_1709
Page 1 of 1
[47338] FOI - [ROYAL COMMISSION] -
PANE, Verity - Royal Commission legal
team costs
FOI - [ROYAL COMMISSION] - PANE, Verity - Royal Commission legal team costs
LEX ID
47338
FOI - Disclosure
Published
DVA file number
2200339
log?
Applicant Name /
Verity Pane
Status
7.2 Finalised
Contact
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access granted
DVA officer
Information Access Unit -
(part)
Llewellyn s 47E; s 47F
Charges notified ($) 0.00
Source
1. Direct from Applicant
Charges collected 0.00
Matter Type
FOI - FOI Primary Request
($)
Personal
No
Date received/valid 23 December 2021
Information?
Date dcn
23 January 2022
Request Type
N/A
notif'd/wdn/trsf
FOI - Practical
No - consultation not required
Date finalised
24 January 2022
refusal?
Clock status
Stopped
Time Frame
2. Statutory time frame met
Due date
24 Jan 2022
(including EOTs)
Scope/Details of
I've heard DVA has a DVA Royal Commission Legal Team of about 25 people working
Request
in DVA's General Counsel Division.
There is interest in the community as to what the purpose of this DVA Royal
Commission Legal Team is, what it does, what law firms have seconded their staff to it,
and how much this is all costing the taxpayer.
I seek copy of the following documents (it is likely to be easier for DVA to do as a table
rather than provide copy of the source documents as it will mean a lot less work for
DVA in redaction/consideration):
* the cost of all contractors employed within the DVA Royal Commission Legal Team,
broken down by law firm/personnel agency seconded from (with number of contractors
from that law firm/personnel agency) - cost may be at fortnightly, monthly, or yearly
basis as suits DVA
* the cost of all APS staff employed within the DVA Royal Commission Legal Team,
broken down by classification - cost may be at fortnightly, monthly, or yearly basis as
suits DVA
* copy of any position/duty statement for the positions within the DVA Royal
Commission Legal Team
* any other document directly relevant to what the purpose of this DVA Royal
Commission Legal Team is, what it does, what law firms have seconded their staff to it,
and how much this is all costing the taxpayer, that DVA reasonably believes gives such
context
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
http://foi.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/main/matter_1_print.asp
13/05/2022
FOI - Verity Pane - One DVA and Benchmarking of Costs of Service
Decision/Outcome
LEX ID
47367
File notes
Date
Type
DVA officer
Timeframe days
11 May 2022
FOI: s45 -
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Material
obtained in
confidence
Document 22174994E Benchmarking Study of DVA Services - Project Jazz - The Friday Group International
(TFG) Benchmarking Partners Comparison - October 2008 redacted. Marked commercial in confidence.
Unable to consult with TFG to discuss release.
Response received from CBD. Need to review comments and re review my redactions.
Once done wish to discuss with Chantal for advice.
4 May 2022
1. File note
Joshua s 47E; s 47F
Query to Chantal re: business area comments before release
28 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Email to CBD and Veterans and Families services group sent
28 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Email drafted to CPD and Veterans and Families services group. Josh wil finalise and send once we have
found an email address for Veterans and Families services group
Once response received from above need to:
1. Apply redactions to budget information
2. Apply redactions regarding material regarded as sensitive by above
3. Draft decision
s 47E; s 47F
21 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
Email response sent to applicant regarding deemed decision.
Email drafted to Traci-Ann s 47E; s 47F team - unable to locate email address awaiting response re address
s 47E; s 47F
20 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
19/04/22 email sent to SEC office in relation to consult re sensitivities
19 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Draft email to SEC prepared and sent to Chantal for review
s 47E; s 47F
19 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
T/c with Chantal and Stella regarding next steps and potential redactions
Lindenmayer report: I am of the view that this should not be released (s45)
The document is marked in confidence, and does not appear to have been widely circulated. We attempted
to consult with Lindenmayer, however, no response was received. Chantal shares this view.
Benchmarking reports: CFO office have indicated that they do not believe the budget information should be
released. Discussions with Chantal and Stella have indicated we should consult with SEC office to seek
input from Tracy-Ann s 47E; s 47F and CPD on the DVA data contained in the documents.
Concluded that an email to SEC office should be drafted as per above. Chantal wil review draft email
11 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Response provided from Elby s 47E; s 47F, Linda s 47E; s 47F & Garn s 47E; s 47F 7/04/2022 regarding release of budget
information. Have briefly read. Need to review in depth.
Next steps:
1. Review email and material. Redact material identified as sensitive
2. Review full documents again to ensure draft redactions are accurate.
3. Draft decision and provide to Chantal to review
5 Apr 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
EOT rejection today placed in my inbox. Received by department on 1/4. Wil continue to process and lodge
15AC EOT request once I have a decision drafted
31 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Spoke to Molly re EOT. Molly advised it was best to advise Stel a that this one wil deem if we do not hear
back from OAIC re the 15AB.
Molly said to continue along with what we are doing and once we are able to make a deicsion to pop in a
15AC EOT request
31 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Spoke to Elby s 47E; s 47F regarding input on release of the material contained in the reports within scope.
She confirmed that the reports I provided were the correct reports as there was pages missing data and the
names of one the provider was different. I confirmed the reports sent through were the reports I was
provided.
She is currently reviewing the reports and held the same concerns as Garn. They wil endeavour to have the
reports back to me asap, however, they wil take some time.
I advised that the decision had already deemed and we were hoping for an extension which would make the
documents due Monday. I asked that she review them as soon as possible.
s 47E; s 47F
30 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
Email sent to Garn s 47E; s 47F seeking input on documents. Chantal approved sending full copy of documents
unredacted to Garn.
30 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
T/c with Garn s 47E; s 47F re Budget information contained in reports.
He would like to review documents as release of budget information re compensation may influence Veteran
behaviours
30 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Redaction notes:
47C: DESE indicated that they want sections removed under 47C. I agree with this and have spoken with
Chantal to confirm it can be removed under 47C given it is a report. After discussion with Chantal, I have
formed the opinion it can be removed under 47C as the reports are not scientific or technical.
I have also removed sections I consider to be opinion, or related to opinions.
47G: Several third parties (HealthCo, Veterans Affairs Canada & UK) have not had the opportunity to
provide us with feedback re the release of the content relating to their agency. HealthCo was not consulted
as I could not locate them, VAC did not respond and the UK was not consulted as the reports only mention
them by name but do not outline any data. These agencies content wil be removed under 47G.
s45: Wil redact the whole Lindenmayer report. Reasons:
1. Document is marked in-confidence
2. Document does not seem to have been widely circulated
3. Review of documents provided by the Secretary indicates there was discussions about the release of the
document. It does not seem that the document was released to the public and as such I have concluded
that the decision reached was not to circulate the report.
4. Have attempted to contact Lindenmayer but have not received a response.
I have concluded that this document was provided in-confidence and the intent was only to circulate to some
within the department
29 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Have commenced reviewing and applying redactions.
Will remove any content relating to VAC, HealthCo & UK under 47G as these parties did not provide
consent to release. (HealthCo not consulted as unable to locate, UK not consulted as no data included,
report mentioned the UK)
29 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Have completed initial review of bundle alongside email responses received from third parties and have
redacted sections as per their comments.
Next stage is to ascertain which third parties did not respond to our request and remove all content relating
to those parties
NOTES FROM INITIAL REVIEW BELOW
COMCARE
1. DONE
2. DONE
3. DONE
Need to consider their comments when drafting decision
NZ Ministry of Social Development
No concerns for release. Need to consider comments when drafting decision.
DESE/DEEWR
Document 1: pages 2-23, 25 and 26 are fine to be released DONE
Document 2: highlighted parts are fine to be released DONE
Document 3: DONE
DEFENCE
No concerns for release. Need to consider comments when drafting decision.
WorkCover
One sentence on page 92 DONE
Centrelink
No concerns for release. Need to consider comments when drafting decision
Al other pages to be removed
REDACTIONS USED
47G
45
47C
24 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Have commenced reviewing documents within scope alongside emails received from third parties
s 47E; s 47F
22 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
Documents have been col ated into single PDF. Need to review and commence redacting information as per
emails from third parties and removing parties details who did not consent
22 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
t/ with Chantal re next steps. Outlined we have not heard from Lindenmayer, VAC or TFG.
Chantal outlined that we can start to prep the bundle for release but that we must remove any of the above
parties information as they have not consented.
Next steps:
1. Prepare bundle and redact information outlined by parties. Remove above parties information in full.
17 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
T/c with Phil ipa from Services Australia. An email wil be sent today from Services Australia provided their
comments regarding the report.
s 47E; s 47F
10 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
15AB request submitted for 16 additional days
9 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
t/c with Phil ipa from Services Australia
They have identified another business area they need to speak with in relation to the TFG report.
Phil ipa is aiming to have her response to us by 15/3.
She wil let us know if this changes.
Need to speak with Molly about obtaining a further extension.
8 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
t/c with Mol y
Discussed whether a third party consent email to Lindenmayer is necessary as I thought one had been
drafted but cannot locate the email.
Molly indicated that it is best we do an email to Lindenmayer.
Next steps:
1. Draft third party email to Lindenmayer
2. Check to see which third parties we are stil waiting on a response from
8 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Email to TFG international bounced back. Located another email address on google and forwarded email to
this address
3 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Located a tender from a TFG International on TRIM. Called the number on this tender to ascertain whether
this was the TFG that produced the benchmarking report. Unable to get through via telephone - automated
message indicates I do not "have permission to cal this number".
Tender also had an email address - I sent an email to this address seeking the above information. Email
bounced back.
1 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
t/c with the Friday Group http://thefridaygroup.com.au/friday-consulting/
+61 (0)2 9043 1238
+61 (0)418 922 955 xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
They do not know of any benchmarking report from 2008. Were unable to provide any information.
1 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
1/3/2022 11:38am
T/C with Molly re the line in the TFG report stating the document should not be quoted or released. This
does not undermine the privacy act or FOI act provisions so wil continue with third party consults.
TFG is an additional third party - we need to consult.
Currently in the process of locating the correct Friday Group International - there are a few options. Molly
instructed to cal http://thefridaygroup.com.au/friday-consulting/ to ascertain whether this is the correct
group.
1 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Further review of reports and discussion with Mol y
Have located section of TFG reports which outline that documents should not be referenced or quoted
without consult with TFG. Molly shares my view that a business consult should be undertaken and 1 week
given for a response.
Will draft
1 Mar 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Awaiting responses from third parties.
17 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Have drafted emails to 7 external organisations (Centrelink, ComCare, Deewa, Defence, NZ Ministry,
Workcover SA, Veterans Affairs Canada) providing documents for consent.
I have been unable to identify 'HealthCo' - I have left a message. Need to identify whether this is the
HealthCo referred to in the FG reports
16 Feb 2022
1.2 EOT
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
30
Time extended. Reason: s15(6)
15 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Have attempted to prepare third party consult emails. Issues arising as to whether to provide full copies of
FG reports as reports contain information of other parties.
Have emailed Mol y suggesting our third party consult does not include the document but references them.
Awaiting response
15 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
SEC has advised they are happy for us to third party consult.
Need to draft consult emails to all parties mentioned in FG report.
10 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Chantal has sent an email to SEC requesting input on a courtesy consult with all agencies and
organisations identified within the Lindenmayer and Friday Group reports.
Awaiting response before consultations are undertaken.
8 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
T/c with Chantal Tipene. Likely wil need to third party consult re reports. Chantal wil draft email to
Secretary seeking approval to consult third parties
2 Feb 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
Documents have been received from the Secretary. Have reviewed to determine what is in scope.
Seeking advice from Chantal regarding third party consultations
2 Feb 2022
1.2 EOT
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
14
Time extended. Reason: s15AB
25 Jan 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
15AB extension requested
Email drafted to Secretary seeking assistance in identifying business area drafted for Chantal's approval
20 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Email to access applicant seeking section 15AA extension - C s 47E; s 47F
20 Jan 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
STATUS UPDATE
19-1: Had T/c with Mark
(
s 47E; s 47F
records) and Molly s 47E; s 47F (Info Law) re Lindenmayer and Friday Group
reports:
FRIDAY GROUP: Has located several reports (known as project Jazz) - has popped them in a TRIM
container so we can review and outline business area to send search minute to
LINDENMAYER: Has had difficulty locating report - seems to require Executive approval (see email from
Mark 19/1). Need to identify which executive to contact
18 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Email to to Sec Off and Records Management for advice on where to direct search minute - C s 47E; s 47F
11 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Acknowledgement sent 11.01.22
s 47E; s 47F
10 Jan 2022
1. File note
Jasmine
STATUS 10/01/2022
1. Acknowledgment drafted for Chantal's approval
2. Minutes drafted - awaiting response from Chantal for assistance
3 Jan 2022
1.1.1 Clock start Jasmine
s 47E; s 47F
30
Clock started
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
LEX_Request_13May2022_0855
Page 1 of 1
[47367] FOI - Verity Pane - One DVA and
Benchmarking of Costs of Service
FOI - Verity Pane - One DVA and Benchmarking of Costs of Service
LEX ID
47367
FOI - Disclosure
DVA file number
log?
Applicant Name /
Verity Pane
Status
3.3 Documents retrieved -
Contact
reviewing
DVA officer
Information Access Unit -
Decision/Outcome
Jasmine s 47E; s 47F
Charges notified ($) 0.00
Source
1. Direct from Applicant
Charges collected 0.00
Matter Type
FOI - FOI Primary Request
($)
Personal
No
Date received/valid 3 January 2022
Information?
Date dcn
Request Type
Business Information - Stats
notif'd/wdn/trsf
FOI - Practical
No - consultation not required
Date finalised
refusal?
Clock status
Running
Time Frame
Due date
18 Mar 2022
Client/Applicant
Name: Verity Pane
details
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Scope/Details of
Sent: Monday, 3 January 2022 1:05 PM
Request
To: INFORMATION.ACCESS < xxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Consultant Reports - One DVA and
Benchmarking of Costs of Service
Dear Department of Veterans' Affairs,
I seek copy of the Ian Lindenmayer report on the implementation and effects of the
introduction of the 'One DVA' model, which was provided around 2008-2009 to DVA.
I seek copy of the Friday Group report on the benchmarking of costs of service of DVA,
which was provided around 2008 to DVA.
Yours faithfully,
Verity Pane
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
http://foi.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/main/matter_1_print.asp
13/05/2022
FOI - Verity Pane - First Page of 235 Schedule of Documents regarding
LEX 45443
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access refused
LEX ID
47465
(full)
File notes
Date
Type
DVA officer
Timeframe days
22 Mar 2022
1.3.2 TRIM filing Joanna s 47E; s 47F
complete
TRIM record number 2203422
16 Mar 2022
1.1.1 Clock stop Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Decision sent to applicant
16 Mar 2022
1.4.2 QA
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Finalised
QA'ed clear to go
16 Mar 2022
FOI: s34 -
Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Cabinet
documents
16 Mar 2022
1.4.1 QA Check Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Q/A Request sent to Mol y and Chantal
15 Mar 2022
1. File note
Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Originally, 240 pages were identified as the first page of the documents that were considered in LEX 45443.
However, one hundred and eighty four (184) of these pages were emails. Further, ten (10) of these pages
were documents in a draft version. As you have indicated that emails and draft documents are not within the
scope of the request, these documents are not considered to be within the scope of your request.
14. As such, I have located forty six (46) documents within the scope of your request.
11 Mar 2022
1. File note
Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Response from OAIC - EOT until 16 March 22 granted
10 Mar 2022
1.2 EOT
Joanna s 47E; s 47F 31
9 Mar 2022
1. File note
Amy s 47E; s 47F
15AB granted 9/03/2022 - saved into LEX DOC TAB
s 47E; s 47F
28 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
Transferring carriage of matter to Joanna s 47E; s 47F (28/2/22)
28 Feb 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Sykpe to Stephanie s 47E; s 47Fregarding background context to assist with the processing the FOI request.
Waiting on response - C s 47E; s 47F
21 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
pending call with Chantal s 47E; s 47F and Joanna s 47E; s 47F to discuss matter (21/2/22)
17 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Group call with PM&C (Sophie s 47E; s 47F/Maia s 47E; s 47F) and Joanna s 47E; s 47F to discuss matter (17/2/22):
> pmc said - if pmc being consulted they would not be consulted on 238 docs well above what they consider
to be reaosnable
if they were going to process themselves it would take them into practical refusal
jo says there isnt enough documents to consider it a practical refusal
they would not go through 238 docs to see if there is cabinet info - they would expect us to isolate which
ones we think have cabinet docs then they ask for the schedule of the docs
they've said touch base further down the track once weve narrowed down the docs, they wil look at a
sample
Jo reccomended discussing with Chantal s 47E; s 47F and Harini s 47E; s 47F.
17 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Emailed Maia s 47E; s 47F FOI team at PM&C enquiring if she is able to cal to discuss matter (17/2/22)
17 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Phone Call with Joanna s 47E; s 47F -
Discussed withdrawing the first page of each document and noted that Jo has downloaded approx 38 docs.
The '238' docs referred to in the request don't match the amount of documents in the fortress system, so
there may potential y be another container, or that the documents weren't al sent
discussed having a cal with both Joanna, PM&C and myself to discuss whether they need al 238
documents to be sent and to discuss further general comments regarding the FOI req.
(17/2/22)
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
email to PM&C informing them that we wil require consultation, and that the documents and document
index is being prepared.
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Spoke w/ Joanna s 47E; s 47F via phone - Jo is beginning to download the 238 documents in FORTRESS -
pending further instruction to be discussed in WIP following day (14/2/22)
s 47E; s 47F
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
Spoke w/ Molly s 47E; s 47F via phone - wil begin preparing index and col ated documents to send to PM&C
(14/2/22)
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
applied for s15AB EOT
ICRF_1-45854901-9123
(14/2/22)
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Drafted email to PMC for consultation regarding whether the documents are stil deemed as cabinet
documents (14/2/22)
14 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Pending applicant's approval/denial of s15aa EOT request by midday of 14 February 2022. Should the
applicant not respond or decline, s15ab wil be pursued today (14/2/22)
11 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
During team WIP spoke to Molly s 47E; s 47F regarding the matter
> advised to seek 15aa from applicant
> should applicant not approve, 15ab wil be sought on Monday
> outlined to applicant why EOT is necessary - we need to consult pm&c regarding potential cabinet
documents
(11/2/22)
s 47E; s 47F
11 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
Drafted an email to the applicant requesting an EOT per s15aa (11/2/22)
10 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Spoke with Jessy s 47E; s 47F via phone
> Received an email from Jessy showing the correspondence with PMC.
Discussed further action and avenues to take on the matter
> s24ab
> EOT
PMC said that they supported a s34(3) exemption in the previous linked matter (LEX 45443) in saying that it
would reveal cabinet documents.
There was only 1 document (2 pages) that PMC consulted and responded to.
(10/2/22)
8 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Spoke with Joanna s 47E; s 47F via phone -
Jo is emailing Jessy to discuss how to transfer through the documents. There are concerns regarding the
sensitive nature as these documents are saved in fortress.
Potential need to file a 15AA or 15AB due to the database that the documents are on.
Jo is corresponding with Molly and wil contact me (oliver) further
(8/2/22)
8 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Contacted Joanna s 47E; s 47F to begin further discussions re matter (8/2/22)
8 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Received email back from Jessy s 47E; s 47F regarding the matter (8/2/22)
7 Feb 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Prepared draft email to Jessy s 47E; s 47F confirming whether the 238 documents referred to in the request
have been col ated, and where these can be accessed (7/2/22)
s 47E; s 47F
21 Jan 2022
1. File note
Oliver
Phone cal w/ Harini s 47E; s 47F, Joanna s 47E; s 47F and began discussing matter
The following was discussed:
> cabinet docs / docs in fortress
> potential practical refusal - time
> offer to do administratively
> need to contact PMC
> every other part of the docs would be s22 out of scope deemed irrelevant
(21/1/22)
20 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Search minute sent to H s 47E; s 47F, OP to start collating documents - C s 47E; s 47F
18 Jan 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Acknowledged
17 Jan 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Drafted acknowledgement of receipt email (17/1/22)
17 Jan 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Created LEX and R Drive for matter (17/1/22)
17 Jan 2022
1. File note
Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
Drafted and prepared search minute directed to Harini s 47E; s 47F, pending (Information Law) 17/1/22
14 Jan 2022
1.1.1 Clock start Oliver
s 47E; s 47F
30
Clock started
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
LEX_Request_13May2022_1218
Page 1 of 1
[47465] FOI - Verity Pane - First Page of
235 Schedule of Documents regarding
LEX 45443
FOI - Verity Pane - First Page of 235 Schedule of Documents regarding LEX 45443
LEX ID
47465
FOI - Disclosure
N/A (withdrawn, refused in full
DVA file number
log?
or not FOI only)
Applicant Name /
Verity Pane
Status
7.2 Finalised
Contact
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access refused
DVA officer
Information Access Unit -
(full)
Joanna s 47E; s 47F
Charges notified ($) 0.00
Source
1. Direct from Applicant
Charges collected 0.00
Matter Type
FOI - FOI Primary Request
($)
Personal
Yes
Date received/valid 14 January 2022
Information?
Date dcn
16 March 2022
Request Type
Personal Information -
notif'd/wdn/trsf
Department File Other
Date finalised
22 March 2022
FOI - Practical
No - consultation not required
Clock status
Stopped
refusal?
Due date
16 Mar 2022
Time Frame
2. Statutory time frame met
(including EOTs)
Client/Applicant details
Verity Pane
Scope/Details of Request
Applicant Verity Pane has made the following request through Right to Know.
Verity Pane has made requests following the decision made in LEX 45443, in
which the decision refers to the 238 documents captured by FOI. This matter
involves the applicant requesting
> for the first page of each of those 238 documents, but exclude any of the
238 documents that is just an email or draft or duplicate as irrelevant to the
scope of this FOI
The applicant has notified the department that they only seek the schedule of
documents and thus proposed that the department may prepare a document
schedule pursuant to s17.
The applicant also states they wish for emails, drafts and duplicates to be
dismissed and that they do not want them included.
STATUS/CHECKLIST/NOTES Currently processing and registering the matter (17/1/22)
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
http://foi.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/main/matter_1_print.asp
13/05/2022
FOI - Verity Pane - Secretary's estimates briefing
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access granted
LEX ID
47867
(full)
File notes
Date
Type
DVA officer
Timeframe days
21 Mar 2022
1.1.1 Clock stop Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Clock stopped. Reason: decision letter sent
21 Mar 2022
FOI: s24 -
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Diversion of
resources
21 Mar 2022
1.4.2 QA
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Finalised
QA finalised - C s 47E; s 47F
18 Mar 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Decision drafted
18 Mar 2022
1. File note
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
T/A with Andrew. Discuss access applicant's response to third party consultation notice. Agreed that the
consultation does not resolve the practical refusal reason, it does remove the need to consult with third
parties, which goes some way to narrowing the scope, but doe not go far enough to solve the problem.
See section 24(1) letter refusing on the basis that a practical refusal reason exists and has not been
resolved following consultation.
Andrew to prepare draft and email to CT to clear. Due Monday, 21 March 2022.
C Tipene
11 Mar 2022
1.1.1 Clock start Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Clock restarted. Reason: consultation response received
11 Mar 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Response to s 24AB consultation received from applicant
3 Mar 2022
1.1.1 Clock stop Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Clock stopped. Reason: s 24AB Consultation
2 Mar 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
A s 47E; s 47F discussed with C s 47E; s 47F how best to go about processing sensitive docs given the amount of
time/effort required
2 Mar 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Practical refusal consultation notice drafted
25 Feb 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Signed search minute and docs received
16 Feb 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Search minute drafted
11 Feb 2022
1. File note
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Acknowledgement sent
9 Feb 2022
FOI: s24AB -
Chantal s 47E; s 47F
Notify practical
refusal reason
Clock stopped. Reason:
9 Feb 2022
1.1.1 Clock start Andrew s 47E; s 47F
30
Clock started
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
LEX_Request_13May2022_1452
Page 1 of 1
[47867] FOI - Verity Pane - Secretary's
estimates briefing
FOI - Verity Pane - Secretary's estimates briefing
LEX ID
47867
FOI - Disclosure
N/A (withdrawn, refused in full
DVA file number
log?
or not FOI only)
Applicant Name /
foi+request-8391-
Status
7.1 Filing required
Contact
xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Decision/Outcome FOI Decision: Access granted
DVA officer
Information Access Unit -
(full)
Andrew s 47E; s 47F
Charges notified ($) 0.00
Source
1. Direct from Applicant
Charges collected 0.00
Matter Type
FOI - FOI Primary Request
($)
Personal
No
Date received/valid 9 February 2022
Information?
Date dcn
21 March 2022
Request Type
Business Information - Policy
notif'd/wdn/trsf
Documents
Date finalised
FOI - Practical
Yes – Formal 24AB Issued -
Clock status
Stopped
refusal?
not rectified
Due date
21 Mar 2022
Time Frame
2. Statutory time frame met
(including EOTs)
Scope/Details of
I seek copy of the Secretary's Estimates briefings (often referred to as the Estimates
Request
book) for the Estimates appearances in June 2021 and October 2021
These are the documents the Department prepares for the Secretary to read and take
with her, to refer to if necessary, during her Estimates appearances.
Produced by Joshua s 47E; s 47F
LEX for FOI Management
Friday, 13 May 2022
http://foi.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/main/matter_1_print.asp
13/05/2022
