Dear National Australia Day Council,

I am a journalist for The Australian newspaper. I seek documents relating to the work of the council and its affiliate groups in relation to the awarding of the Australian of the Year in January 2016, and the earlier awarding of the State and Territory Australians of the Year.

Specifically, I seek documents concerning:

1. The composition of the selection panels for each State and Territory

2. The information distributed to the panel members to assist in their deliberations.

3. The minutes of their meetings.

4. Reports or briefing notes relevant to the meetings, the selections, and the choices.

5. The council's media and communications plans for the 2016 Australian of the Year.

6. The nomination of the successful Australians of the Year for State and Territory.

7. Feedback and advice from staff in the office or department of the Prime Minister.

8. Feedback and advice from successful Australians of the Year for State and Territory.

9. Any due diligence in assessing nominations.

10. Commentary, analysis, or opinion, expressed internally from January 20 to the date of filing of this request, about public and media responses to the Australian of the Year awards.

Regards
Hedley Thomas