Dear Australian Building and Construction Commission,

In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:
a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph above. i.e The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came within the scope of the request.

PS: Further info on s86 can be obtained here
https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...
https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

Yours faithfully,

JS

ABCC - FOI, Australian Building and Construction Commission

1 Attachment

OFFICIAL

 

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) in which you sought access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) (the FOI
Request).

 

We confirm receipt of the FOI Request pursuant to subsection 15(5) of the
FOI Act.

 

We note that section 15 of the FOI Act sets out applicable timeframes for
the processing of requests made under the FOI Act.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the FOI Request, please contact us
by reply email.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [1][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [2]1800 003 338 | Web: [3]abcc.gov.au

[4]Logo

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: JS <[FOI #8535 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 March 2022 2:39 PM
To: ABCC - FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the APS
Code of Conduct

 

**************************************************************************

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not
click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know
the content is safe.

**************************************************************************

 

Dear Australian Building and Construction Commission,

 

In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

 

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered
came within the scope of the request.

 

PS: Further info on s86 can be obtained here
[5]https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...

[6]https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

 

Yours faithfully,

 

JS

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[7][FOI #8535 email]

 

Is [8][ABCC request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Australian Building and Construction Commission? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[9]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[10]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Important:
This transmission is intended for the use of the addressee and may contain
confidential, protected or legally privileged information. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not review, copy, disseminate, disclose to
others,  or take action in reliance of any material contained within this
email.  If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me
immediately by return email and delete all copies of this transmission
together with any attachments.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
3. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
4. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
5. https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...
6. https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...
7. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
8. mailto:[ABCC request email]
9. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
10. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

ABCC - FOI, Australian Building and Construction Commission

1 Attachment

OFFICIAL

 

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) seeking access to the following documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):

 

“In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered
came within the scope of the request.”

 

The documents you seek access to contain personal information of a number
of third parties.

 

Section 27A of the FOI Act requires a decision maker to consult third
parties where it appears that the persons might reasonably wish to make a
contention that the documents are conditionally exempt under s 47F on the
basis that disclosure would involve the unreasonable disclosure of their
personal information and should be exempt as access would, on balance, be
contrary to the public interest in accordance with s 11A(5) of the FOI
Act.

 

I have formed the view that the third parties might reasonably wish to
make contentions in accordance with s 27A of the FOI Act.

 

As I have determined that a consultation requirement applies, the time to
provide you with a decision on your request is extended by 30 days
pursuant to s 15(6) of the FOI Act.

 

Accordingly, a decision on your request is due on 2 May 2022.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [1][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [2]1800 003 338 | Web: [3]abcc.gov.au

[4]Logo

 

 

 

From: ABCC - FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 4 March 2022 7:14 AM
To: JS <[FOI #8535 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

OFFICIAL

 

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) in which you sought access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) (the FOI
Request).

 

We confirm receipt of the FOI Request pursuant to subsection 15(5) of the
FOI Act.

 

We note that section 15 of the FOI Act sets out applicable timeframes for
the processing of requests made under the FOI Act.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the FOI Request, please contact us
by reply email.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [5][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [6]1800 003 338 | Web: [7]abcc.gov.au

[8]Logo

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: JS <[9][FOI #8535 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 March 2022 2:39 PM
To: ABCC - FOI <[10][email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the APS
Code of Conduct

 

**************************************************************************

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not
click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know
the content is safe.

**************************************************************************

 

Dear Australian Building and Construction Commission,

 

In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

 

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered
came within the scope of the request.

 

PS: Further info on s86 can be obtained here
[11]https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...

[12]https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

 

Yours faithfully,

 

JS

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[13][FOI #8535 email]

 

Is [14][email address] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Australian Building and Construction Commission? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[15]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[16]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Important:
This transmission is intended for the use of the addressee and may contain
confidential, protected or legally privileged information. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not review, copy, disseminate, disclose to
others,  or take action in reliance of any material contained within this
email.  If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me
immediately by return email and delete all copies of this transmission
together with any attachments.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
3. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
4. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
5. mailto:[email address]
6. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
7. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
8. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
9. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
10. mailto:[email address]
11. https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...
12. https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...
13. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
14. mailto:[email address]
15. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
16. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

ABCC - FOI, Australian Building and Construction Commission

2 Attachments

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Dear JS,

 

Please see attached decision.

 

Regards,

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [1][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [2]1800 003 338 | Web: [3]abcc.gov.au

[4]Logo

 

 

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

From: ABCC - FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 18 March 2022 3:08 PM
To: JS <[FOI #8535 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

OFFICIAL

 

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) seeking access to the following documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):

 

“In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered
came within the scope of the request.”

 

The documents you seek access to contain personal information of a number
of third parties.

 

Section 27A of the FOI Act requires a decision maker to consult third
parties where it appears that the persons might reasonably wish to make a
contention that the documents are conditionally exempt under s 47F on the
basis that disclosure would involve the unreasonable disclosure of their
personal information and should be exempt as access would, on balance, be
contrary to the public interest in accordance with s 11A(5) of the FOI
Act.

 

I have formed the view that the third parties might reasonably wish to
make contentions in accordance with s 27A of the FOI Act.

 

As I have determined that a consultation requirement applies, the time to
provide you with a decision on your request is extended by 30 days
pursuant to s 15(6) of the FOI Act.

 

Accordingly, a decision on your request is due on 2 May 2022.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [5][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [6]1800 003 338 | Web: [7]abcc.gov.au

[8]Logo

 

 

 

From: ABCC - FOI <[9][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 4 March 2022 7:14 AM
To: JS <[10][FOI #8535 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

OFFICIAL

 

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) in which you sought access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) (the FOI
Request).

 

We confirm receipt of the FOI Request pursuant to subsection 15(5) of the
FOI Act.

 

We note that section 15 of the FOI Act sets out applicable timeframes for
the processing of requests made under the FOI Act.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the FOI Request, please contact us
by reply email.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [11][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [12]1800 003 338 | Web: [13]abcc.gov.au

[14]Logo

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: JS <[15][FOI #8535 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 March 2022 2:39 PM
To: ABCC - FOI <[16][email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the APS
Code of Conduct

 

**************************************************************************

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not
click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know
the content is safe.

**************************************************************************

 

Dear Australian Building and Construction Commission,

 

In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

 

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered
came within the scope of the request.

 

PS: Further info on s86 can be obtained here
[17]https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...

[18]https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

 

Yours faithfully,

 

JS

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[19][FOI #8535 email]

 

Is [20][email address] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Australian Building and Construction Commission? If so, please
contact us using this form:

[21]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[22]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Important:
This transmission is intended for the use of the addressee and may contain
confidential, protected or legally privileged information. If you are not
the intended recipient you must not review, copy, disseminate, disclose to
others,  or take action in reliance of any material contained within this
email.  If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me
immediately by return email and delete all copies of this transmission
together with any attachments.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
3. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
4. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
5. mailto:[email address]
6. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
7. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
8. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
9. mailto:[email address]
10. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
11. mailto:[email address]
12. file:///tmp/tel:1800003338
13. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
14. https://www.abcc.gov.au/
15. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
16. mailto:[email address]
17. https://oaic.gov.au/assets/about-us/acce...
18. https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...
19. mailto:[FOI #8535 email]
20. mailto:[email address]
21. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
22. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Dear ABCC - FOI,

A brief recap:

The FOI application dated 7 Oct 2017 read:

I seek access under FOI to documents in the possession of the Agency relating to any assessment or consideration - conducted in the period 1 December 2013 to 12 September 2017 – that the behaviour of the Director of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate involved a potential breach of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.

The ABCC extended the time period to respond by 30 days to enable the ABCC consult with third parties. On or about the 60th day the ABCC decided that it held no documents within scope.
See full details https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/e...

The OAIC reviewed the matter. The Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC by OAIC is available here (Page 49 to 62 (Doc 5)). https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

Flowing from that review the current FOI application read:
In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:
a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

An authorised officer has now decided that the two documents are exempt. Section 45 exempts documents containing material obtained in confidence, where the person who provided the confidential information would be able to bring an action under the general law for breach of confidence to prevent disclosure, or to seek compensation for loss or damage arising from disclosure.

The ABCC decision indicates that the ABCC did not properly assess the two documents within scope of the 2017 FOI Application. Had the ABCC properly considered the two documents the matter could have been finished within 30 days of the application by virtue of section 45. There would have been no need for consultation with third parties and no necessity for the OAIC and ABCC to expend further resources as both Agencies have.

Thank you for your decision.

Yours sincerely,

JS

ABCC - FOI, Australian Building and Construction Commission

1 Attachment

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Dear JS

 

We refer to your email of 23 May 2022.

 

There are a number of assertions you make in your email that are not
correct.

 

First, the 2 May 2022 decision in relation to the 1 March 2022 FOI request
in no way indicates that the two documents described in the 2017 decision
were not properly assessed at the time of the 2017 decision. 

 

In the OAIC’s s86 notice on completion, the OAIC referred to two documents
the ABCC had initially identified as potentially within scope of your 2017
request and requiring third party consultation, which were later found by
the decision maker not to be within scope. The OAIC concluded it was open
to the ABCC to extend time and to consult a third party even where
subsequent consideration of the documents found the documents were outside
scope.  Your assertion that the ABCC did not properly assess the two
documents at the time of the 2017 request is not correct.

 

Second, the 2 May 2022 decision does not state, or indicate, that the two
documents found to be within the scope of 2022 request were within the
scope of the 2017 request.  The two requests are different and had a
different scope.  The two documents were relevant to the 2022 request
only, noting that you specifically sought access to the two documents that
were referred to in OAIC’s s86 notice on completion.

 

Your assertion that there has been waste of the ABCC's and OAIC's
resources is misplaced and is rejected.

 

Regards

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission
Email: [1][email address]

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001
Hotline: [2]1800 003 338 | Web: [3]abcc.gov.au

[4]Logo

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: JS <[5][FOI #8535 email]>
Sent: Monday, 23 May 2022 3:51 PM
To: ABCC - FOI <[6][email address]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]

 

**************************************************************************

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not
click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know
the content is safe.

**************************************************************************

 

Dear ABCC - FOI,

 

A brief recap:

 

The FOI application dated 7 Oct 2017 read:

 

I seek access under FOI to documents in the possession of the Agency
relating to any assessment or consideration - conducted in the period 1
December 2013 to 12 September 2017 – that the behaviour of the Director of
the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate involved a potential breach
of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.

 

The ABCC extended the time period to respond by 30 days to enable the
ABCC  consult with third parties. On or about the 60th day the ABCC
decided that it held no documents within scope.  

See full details
[7]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/e...

 

The OAIC reviewed the matter. The Notice on completion under s 86 of the
FOI Act provided to the ABCC by OAIC is available here (Page 49 to 62 (Doc
5)).
[8]https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pd...

 

Flowing from that review the current FOI application read:

In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

An authorised officer has now decided that the two documents are exempt.
Section 45 exempts documents containing material obtained in confidence,
where the person who provided the confidential information would be able
to bring an action under the general law for breach of confidence to
prevent disclosure, or to seek compensation for loss or damage arising
from disclosure.

 

The ABCC decision indicates that the ABCC did not properly assess the two
documents within scope of the 2017 FOI Application. Had the ABCC properly
considered the two documents the matter could have been finished within 30
days of the application by virtue of section 45.  There would have been no
need for consultation with third parties and no necessity for the OAIC and
ABCC to expend further resources as both Agencies have.

 

Thank you for your decision.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

JS

 

-----Original Message-----

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

Dear JS,

 

 

 

Please see attached decision.

 

 

 

Regards,

 

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission

Email: [1][email address]

 

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001

Hotline: [2]1800 003 338 | Web: [3]abcc.gov.au

 

[4]Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

From: ABCC - FOI <[email address]>

Sent: Friday, 18 March 2022 3:08 PM

To: JS <[FOI #8535 email]>

Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the 
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

 

 

OFFICIAL

 

 

 

Dear JS

 

 

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and 
Construction Commission (ABCC) seeking access to the following documents 
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):

 

 

 

“In a Notice on completion under s 86 of the FOI Act provided to the ABCC 
by OAIC the following paragraph appears:

 

“ In response to this complaint, the ABCC submitted:

 

a. The ABCC initially identified two documents that it considered came 
within the scope of the request. The documents contained the personal 
information of a number of individuals. As a consequence, the ABCC 
determined it would consult with those persons pursuant to s 27A of the 
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). “

 

 

 

Under FOI I seek access to the two documents referred to in the paragraph 
above. i.e  The ABCC initially identified two documents that it
considered  came within the scope of the request.”

 

 

 

The documents you seek access to contain personal information of a number 
of third parties.

 

 

 

Section 27A of the FOI Act requires a decision maker to consult third 
parties where it appears that the persons might reasonably wish to make a 
contention that the documents are conditionally exempt under s 47F on the 
basis that disclosure would involve the unreasonable disclosure of their 
personal information and should be exempt as access would, on balance, be 
contrary to the public interest in accordance with s 11A(5) of the FOI 
Act.

 

 

 

I have formed the view that the third parties might reasonably wish to 
make contentions in accordance with s 27A of the FOI Act.

 

 

 

As I have determined that a consultation requirement applies, the time to 
provide you with a decision on your request is extended by 30 days 
pursuant to s 15(6) of the FOI Act.

 

 

 

Accordingly, a decision on your request is due on 2 May 2022.

 

 

 

Regards

 

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission

Email: [5][email address]

 

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001

Hotline: [6]1800 003 338 | Web: [7]abcc.gov.au

 

[8]Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: ABCC - FOI <[9][email address]>

Sent: Friday, 4 March 2022 7:14 AM

To: JS <[10][FOI #8535 email]>

Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Documents relating to the 
APS Code of Conduct [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

 

 

OFFICIAL

 

 

 

Dear JS

 

 

 

We refer to your email dated 1 March 2022 to the Australian Building and 
Construction Commission (ABCC) in which you sought access to documents 
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) (the FOI 
Request).

 

 

 

We confirm receipt of the FOI Request pursuant to subsection 15(5) of the 
FOI Act.

 

 

 

We note that section 15 of the FOI Act sets out applicable timeframes for 
the processing of requests made under the FOI Act.

 

 

 

Should you have any questions regarding the FOI Request, please contact
us  by reply email.

 

 

 

Regards

 

FOI Section Australian Building and Construction Commission

Email: [11][email address]

 

Postal address: GPO Box 9927, Melbourne VIC 3001

Hotline: [12]1800 003 338 | Web: [13]abcc.gov.au

 

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Dear ABCC - FOI,

Thank you for your email. My observations related to the two documents found to be exempt.

in 2017 the ABCC received a request for access. The ABCC identified two documents within scope.
At that point in 2017 (within the 30 day period) it seems the ABCC could have decided:

Section 45 – breach of confidence
The information in the two documents was exchanged on the understanding of confidentiality. The information is specifically identified. The information has not been shared more broadly within the ABCC and remains confidential. I am satisfied from my consideration of the content of the documents that disclosure would result in detriment to the individuals concerned.
Accordingly, I find the documents are exempt on the basis that disclosure would found an action, by a person for breach of confidence.

Yours sincerely,

JS