Conflict of Interest - Rebekah Brown
Dear Australian National University,
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth), I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National University that relate to:
-Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted by Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the University, formally or informally.
-This request includes any documents that relate to actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Yours faithfully,
Adam H
Good afternoon,
On 2 October 2025, the Australian National University (the University)
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The University has taken your request to be as follows:
“… I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National
University that relate to:
· Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms
submitted by Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to
the University, formally or informally.
· This request includes any documents that relate to actual,
potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Your request has been assigned the case number 202500243.
Processing Timeframe
The statutory time frame for processing your request is 30 calendar days
from day after the date your request was received by the University. You
should therefore expect a decision from us by 3 November 2025.
This period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult third
parties, impose a charge or for other reasons. We will advise you in
writing if this happens.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact. If you have
any questions regarding your request, please feel free to contact the FOI
Team via the functional email [1][ANU request email].
The FOI Team’s workload is currently at very high levels due to the
unprecedented volume of FOI requests.
We are using our best endeavors to process all requests expeditiously
however there may be some slippage due to the current workload. We will
keep in touch with you and advise if there are any significant delays, and
will, if necessary, seek extensions as permitted by the Act.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [2][ANU request email]
Web: [3]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[ANU request email]
2. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
3. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
Good morning Adam,
I refer to your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 as follows:
“… any and all documents held by the Australian National University that
relate to:
§ Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted by
Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the
University, formally or informally.
§ This request includes any documents that relate to actual, potential,
or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Update on Case
o Several documents have been found in relation to your request.
o These documents are being reviewed and processed.
Consultation Required
Upon review of the documents found, it has been determined that they refer
to the personal information of at least one third party. Accordingly, the
University is required to consult with that third party (under section 27A
of the FOI Act) before making a decision on the release of the documents.
The consultation mechanism under section 27A applies when we believe a
third party concerned might reasonably wish to contend that the requested
documents are exempt because their release would disclose the personal
information of that third party.
Accordingly, the period for processing your request has been extended by a
further 30 days in order to allow our agency time to consult with that
third party concerned.
The processing period for your request will now end on Monday 1 December
2025.
Thank you for your patience as we process your request.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [1][ANU request email]
Web: [2]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 5:22 PM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: FOI 202500243 - Acknowledgement
Good afternoon,
On 2 October 2025, the Australian National University (the University)
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The University has taken your request to be as follows:
“… I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National
University that relate to:
· Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms
submitted by Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to
the University, formally or informally.
· This request includes any documents that relate to actual,
potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Your request has been assigned the case number 202500243.
Processing Timeframe
The statutory time frame for processing your request is 30 calendar days
from day after the date your request was received by the University. You
should therefore expect a decision from us by 3 November 2025.
This period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult third
parties, impose a charge or for other reasons. We will advise you in
writing if this happens.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact. If you have
any questions regarding your request, please feel free to contact the FOI
Team via the functional email [3][ANU request email].
The FOI Team’s workload is currently at very high levels due to the
unprecedented volume of FOI requests.
We are using our best endeavors to process all requests expeditiously
however there may be some slippage due to the current workload. We will
keep in touch with you and advise if there are any significant delays, and
will, if necessary, seek extensions as permitted by the Act.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [4][ANU request email]
Web: [5]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
2. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
3. mailto:[ANU request email]
4. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
5. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
Dear Adam,
Technical deemed access refusal
Firstly, our apologies for not being able to make timeframe on this
request – which is today, Monday 1 December 2025.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the Act), if an agency
does not make a decision within the statutory timeframe, the Act deems the
agency to have refused access (section 15AC). Today is the last day of the
statutory timeframe, so a deemed refusal will technically occur given we
are unable to provide you with a decision today.
That being the case, please be assured that your request is still actively
being processed, is still in consultation, and a decision has not yet been
made (refusal or otherwise). While you have requested documents regarding
a senior position at the University, the request also revolves around an
identifiable individual, therefore completing the consultation process is
a must before we can provide you with a complete decision. We are still
currently consulting with any relevant third party/ies to ensure all
relevant considerations are addressed. You will therefore receive a formal
decision as soon as possible.
What a deemed access refusal means for you
Despite us indicating that we are still processing your request, because a
deemed refusal will occur after today has passed, when we do not provide a
decision to you by your due date you have the right to seek review of the
deemed decision (i.e. the delay) by the Information Commissioner (IC
review) under Part VII of the FOI Act. Your review rights are outlined
below this email’s signature.
Update on Your Request
• Document(s) for your request have been found, processed, are at the
tail end of consultations, and are almost ready for peer review before
a final decision is made.
• The large volume of requests the ANU FOI team has on deck at the
moment (>120 open items) has contributed to our failure to meet
today’s deadline, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience
caused to you.
Option for an agreed section 15AA extension
Acknowledging that the request has already been extended under section 27A
of the Act, you are welcome to agree to a further extension of up to 30
days under s 15AA of the FOI Act until Wednesday 10 December 2025. You are
also welcome to propose a shorter extension timeframe than 30 days – just
keep in mind that a minimum 14-day extension would be the most realistic
in this case. This extension (only upon agreement with you) would allow us
to complete any final actions and considerations on the case and provide
you with a comprehensive decision within statutory timeframes.
If you do agree, we will notify the OAIC as required.
If you do not agree, that’s fine – we will continue processing your
request and issue a decision as soon as practicable – just know that our
decision will be technically late / a deemed refusal, and be aware of your
review rights under our email signature below. In short, your request is
being processed regardless – whether you agree to an extension or not.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact
us by way of reply email.
Again, our apologies for the delay in decision and any inconvenience this
causes you. Please rest assured that we are processing your request.
Kind regards,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Your review rights
If you are dissatisfied with the technical deemed access refusal, you may
apply for internal review or Information Commissioner review of the
decision. We encourage you to seek internal review as a first step as it
may provide a more rapid resolution of your concerns.
Application for Internal Review of Decision
Section 54A of the Act, gives you the right to apply for an internal
review of any decision – including deemed access refusals.
It must be made in writing within 30 days of receipt of the decision; no
particular form is required but it is desirable to set out in the
application the grounds on which you consider the decision should be
reviewed.
The application should be addressed to Freedom of Information at
[1][ANU request email].
Application for Information Commissioner Review of decision
Under section 54L of the FOI Act, you may apply to the Australian
Information Commissioner to review any decision – including deemed access
refusals. An application must be made in writing within 60 days of the
date of this email, and be lodged in one of the following ways:
Form: either online form or downloadable form available at
[2]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
Email: [3][email address]
Post: Director of FOI Dispute Resolution, GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW
2001
More information is available on the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner website.
[4]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 11:15 AM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 202500243 - Update on Case + Notice of Extension
(Consultation - s 27A FOIA) - Conflict of Interest - Rebekah Brown
Good morning Adam,
I refer to your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 as follows:
“… any and all documents held by the Australian National University that
relate to:
§ Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted by
Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the
University, formally or informally.
§ This request includes any documents that relate to actual, potential,
or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Update on Case
• Several documents have been found in relation to your request.
• These documents are being reviewed and processed.
Consultation Required
Upon review of the documents found, it has been determined that they refer
to the personal information of at least one third party. Accordingly, the
University is required to consult with that third party (under section 27A
of the FOI Act) before making a decision on the release of the documents.
The consultation mechanism under section 27A applies when we believe a
third party concerned might reasonably wish to contend that the requested
documents are exempt because their release would disclose the personal
information of that third party.
Accordingly, the period for processing your request has been extended by a
further 30 days in order to allow our agency time to consult with that
third party concerned.
The processing period for your request will now end on Monday 1 December
2025.
Thank you for your patience as we process your request.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [5][ANU request email]
Web: [6]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
From: Freedom of Information <[7][ANU request email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 5:22 PM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[8][FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[9][ANU request email]>
Subject: FOI 202500243 - Acknowledgement
Good afternoon,
On 2 October 2025, the Australian National University (the University)
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The University has taken your request to be as follows:
“… I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National
University that relate to:
· Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted
by Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the
University, formally or informally.
· This request includes any documents that relate to actual,
potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Your request has been assigned the case number 202500243.
Processing Timeframe
The statutory time frame for processing your request is 30 calendar days
from day after the date your request was received by the University. You
should therefore expect a decision from us by 3 November 2025.
This period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult third
parties, impose a charge or for other reasons. We will advise you in
writing if this happens.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact. If you have
any questions regarding your request, please feel free to contact the FOI
Team via the functional email [10][ANU request email].
The FOI Team’s workload is currently at very high levels due to the
unprecedented volume of FOI requests.
We are using our best endeavors to process all requests expeditiously
however there may be some slippage due to the current workload. We will
keep in touch with you and advise if there are any significant delays, and
will, if necessary, seek extensions as permitted by the Act.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [11][ANU request email]
Web: [12]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[ANU request email]
2. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
5. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
6. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
7. mailto:[ANU request email]
8. mailto:[FOI #13766 email]
9. mailto:[ANU request email]
10. mailto:[ANU request email]
11. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
12. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
*Email resent with Wednesday 10 December typo amended*
Dear Adam,
Technical deemed access refusal
Firstly, our apologies for not being able to make timeframe on this
request – which is today, Monday 1 December 2025.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the Act), if an agency
does not make a decision within the statutory timeframe, the Act deems the
agency to have refused access (section 15AC). Today is the last day of the
statutory timeframe, so a deemed refusal will technically occur given we
are unable to provide you with a decision today.
That being the case, please be assured that your request is still actively
being processed, is still in consultation, and a decision has not yet been
made (refusal or otherwise). While you have requested documents regarding
a senior position at the University, the request also revolves around an
identifiable individual, therefore completing the consultation process is
a must before we can provide you with a complete decision. We are still
currently consulting with any relevant third party/ies to ensure all
relevant considerations are addressed. You will therefore receive a formal
decision as soon as possible.
What a deemed access refusal means for you
Despite us indicating that we are still processing your request, because a
deemed refusal will occur after today has passed, when we do not provide a
decision to you by your due date you have the right to seek review of the
deemed decision (i.e. the delay) by the Information Commissioner (IC
review) under Part VII of the FOI Act. Your review rights are outlined
below this email’s signature.
Update on Your Request
• Document(s) for your request have been found, processed, are at the
tail end of consultations, and are almost ready for peer review before
a final decision is made.
• The large volume of requests the ANU FOI team has on deck at the
moment (>120 open items) has contributed to our failure to meet
today’s deadline, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience
caused to you.
Option for an agreed section 15AA extension
Acknowledging that the request has already been extended under section 27A
of the Act, you are welcome to agree to a further extension of up to 30
days under s 15AA of the FOI Act until Wednesday 31 December 2025. You are
also welcome to propose a shorter extension timeframe than 30 days – just
keep in mind that a minimum 14-day extension would be the most realistic
in this case. This extension (only upon agreement with you) would allow us
to complete any final actions and considerations on the case and provide
you with a comprehensive decision within statutory timeframes.
If you do agree, we will notify the OAIC as required.
If you do not agree, that’s fine – we will continue processing your
request and issue a decision as soon as practicable – just know that our
decision will be technically late / a deemed refusal, and be aware of your
review rights under our email signature below. In short, your request is
being processed regardless – whether you agree to an extension or not.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact
us by way of reply email.
Again, our apologies for the delay in decision and any inconvenience this
causes you. Please rest assured that we are processing your request.
Kind regards,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Your review rights
If you are dissatisfied with the technical deemed access refusal, you may
apply for internal review or Information Commissioner review of the
decision. We encourage you to seek internal review as a first step as it
may provide a more rapid resolution of your concerns.
Application for Internal Review of Decision
Section 54A of the Act, gives you the right to apply for an internal
review of any decision – including deemed access refusals.
It must be made in writing within 30 days of receipt of the decision; no
particular form is required but it is desirable to set out in the
application the grounds on which you consider the decision should be
reviewed.
The application should be addressed to Freedom of Information at
[1][ANU request email].
Application for Information Commissioner Review of decision
Under section 54L of the FOI Act, you may apply to the Australian
Information Commissioner to review any decision – including deemed access
refusals. An application must be made in writing within 60 days of the
date of this email, and be lodged in one of the following ways:
Form: either online form or downloadable form available at
[2]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
Email: [3][email address]
Post: Director of FOI Dispute Resolution, GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW
2001
More information is available on the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner website.
[4]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
From: Freedom of Information
Sent: Monday, 1 December 2025 4:00 PM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 202500243 - Delay w Apologies + Update on Request -
Conflict of Interest - Rebekah Brown
Dear Adam,
Technical deemed access refusal
Firstly, our apologies for not being able to make timeframe on this
request – which is today, Monday 1 December 2025.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the Act), if an agency
does not make a decision within the statutory timeframe, the Act deems the
agency to have refused access (section 15AC). Today is the last day of the
statutory timeframe, so a deemed refusal will technically occur given we
are unable to provide you with a decision today.
That being the case, please be assured that your request is still actively
being processed, is still in consultation, and a decision has not yet been
made (refusal or otherwise). While you have requested documents regarding
a senior position at the University, the request also revolves around an
identifiable individual, therefore completing the consultation process is
a must before we can provide you with a complete decision. We are still
currently consulting with any relevant third party/ies to ensure all
relevant considerations are addressed. You will therefore receive a formal
decision as soon as possible.
What a deemed access refusal means for you
Despite us indicating that we are still processing your request, because a
deemed refusal will occur after today has passed, when we do not provide a
decision to you by your due date you have the right to seek review of the
deemed decision (i.e. the delay) by the Information Commissioner (IC
review) under Part VII of the FOI Act. Your review rights are outlined
below this email’s signature.
Update on Your Request
• Document(s) for your request have been found, processed, are at the
tail end of consultations, and are almost ready for peer review before
a final decision is made.
• The large volume of requests the ANU FOI team has on deck at the
moment (>120 open items) has contributed to our failure to meet
today’s deadline, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience
caused to you.
Option for an agreed section 15AA extension
Acknowledging that the request has already been extended under section 27A
of the Act, you are welcome to agree to a further extension of up to 30
days under s 15AA of the FOI Act until Wednesday 10 December 2025. You are
also welcome to propose a shorter extension timeframe than 30 days – just
keep in mind that a minimum 14-day extension would be the most realistic
in this case. This extension (only upon agreement with you) would allow us
to complete any final actions and considerations on the case and provide
you with a comprehensive decision within statutory timeframes.
If you do agree, we will notify the OAIC as required.
If you do not agree, that’s fine – we will continue processing your
request and issue a decision as soon as practicable – just know that our
decision will be technically late / a deemed refusal, and be aware of your
review rights under our email signature below. In short, your request is
being processed regardless – whether you agree to an extension or not.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact
us by way of reply email.
Again, our apologies for the delay in decision and any inconvenience this
causes you. Please rest assured that we are processing your request.
Kind regards,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Your review rights
If you are dissatisfied with the technical deemed access refusal, you may
apply for internal review or Information Commissioner review of the
decision. We encourage you to seek internal review as a first step as it
may provide a more rapid resolution of your concerns.
Application for Internal Review of Decision
Section 54A of the Act, gives you the right to apply for an internal
review of any decision – including deemed access refusals.
It must be made in writing within 30 days of receipt of the decision; no
particular form is required but it is desirable to set out in the
application the grounds on which you consider the decision should be
reviewed.
The application should be addressed to Freedom of Information at
[5][ANU request email].
Application for Information Commissioner Review of decision
Under section 54L of the FOI Act, you may apply to the Australian
Information Commissioner to review any decision – including deemed access
refusals. An application must be made in writing within 60 days of the
date of this email, and be lodged in one of the following ways:
Form: either online form or downloadable form available at
[6]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
Email: [7][email address]
Post: Director of FOI Dispute Resolution, GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW
2001
More information is available on the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner website.
[8]https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
From: Freedom of Information <[9][ANU request email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 11:15 AM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[10][FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[11][ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 202500243 - Update on Case + Notice of Extension
(Consultation - s 27A FOIA) - Conflict of Interest - Rebekah Brown
Good morning Adam,
I refer to your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 as follows:
“… any and all documents held by the Australian National University that
relate to:
§ Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted by
Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the
University, formally or informally.
§ This request includes any documents that relate to actual, potential,
or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Update on Case
• Several documents have been found in relation to your request.
• These documents are being reviewed and processed.
Consultation Required
Upon review of the documents found, it has been determined that they refer
to the personal information of at least one third party. Accordingly, the
University is required to consult with that third party (under section 27A
of the FOI Act) before making a decision on the release of the documents.
The consultation mechanism under section 27A applies when we believe a
third party concerned might reasonably wish to contend that the requested
documents are exempt because their release would disclose the personal
information of that third party.
Accordingly, the period for processing your request has been extended by a
further 30 days in order to allow our agency time to consult with that
third party concerned.
The processing period for your request will now end on Monday 1 December
2025.
Thank you for your patience as we process your request.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [12][ANU request email]
Web: [13]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
From: Freedom of Information <[14][ANU request email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 5:22 PM
To: '[FOI #13766 email]'
<[15][FOI #13766 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[16][ANU request email]>
Subject: FOI 202500243 - Acknowledgement
Good afternoon,
On 2 October 2025, the Australian National University (the University)
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The University has taken your request to be as follows:
“… I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National
University that relate to:
· Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted
by Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Rebekah Brown to the
University, formally or informally.
· This request includes any documents that relate to actual,
potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Your request has been assigned the case number 202500243.
Processing Timeframe
The statutory time frame for processing your request is 30 calendar days
from day after the date your request was received by the University. You
should therefore expect a decision from us by 3 November 2025.
This period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult third
parties, impose a charge or for other reasons. We will advise you in
writing if this happens.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact. If you have
any questions regarding your request, please feel free to contact the FOI
Team via the functional email [17][ANU request email].
The FOI Team’s workload is currently at very high levels due to the
unprecedented volume of FOI requests.
We are using our best endeavors to process all requests expeditiously
however there may be some slippage due to the current workload. We will
keep in touch with you and advise if there are any significant delays, and
will, if necessary, seek extensions as permitted by the Act.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University
Email: [18][ANU request email]
Web: [19]https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider
Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[ANU request email]
2. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
5. mailto:[ANU request email]
6. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
7. mailto:[email address]
8. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
9. mailto:[ANU request email]
10. mailto:[FOI #13766 email]
11. mailto:[ANU request email]
12. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
13. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
14. mailto:[ANU request email]
15. mailto:[FOI #13766 email]
16. mailto:[ANU request email]
17. mailto:[ANU request email]
18. mailto:[ANU request email]
mailto:[ANU request email]
19. https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
Dear Australian National University,
I am writing to request an internal review of Australian National University's handling of my FOI request 'Conflict of Interest - Rebekah Brown'.
I note the University’s email of 1 December 2025 advising that the statutory timeframe has expired, resulting in a deemed refusal. However, I am concerned that this is part of a broader pattern of delays across multiple FOI requests I have submitted, many of which have been delayed for similar reasons, such as workload. This raises questions about systemic issues in processing requests at the University.
Given the small volume of documents involved in this request and the extended timeframe already granted, I find the delay difficult to justify. The University’s failure to meet the statutory deadline is both unreasonable and inconsistent with the objectives of the FOI Act.
I respectfully ask that the internal review consider the following:
1. The University failed to make a decision within the statutory timeframe, even with an extension provided under section 27A.
2. The volume and nature of the documents do not reasonably justify the delay, and no adequate explanation has been provided beyond generic workload pressures.
3. The delay has significantly obstructed timely access to documents, contrary to section 3 of the Act.
Please confirm receipt of this request and advise on the next steps.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/c...
Yours faithfully,
Adam H