Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Dear Josh,

On 24 November 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:

“… the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.”

Your request has been assigned the case number 202500302.

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 Wednesday 24 December 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 [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 endeavours 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: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce Mayer <[FOI #14035 email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 8:40 PM
To: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

[You don't often get email from [FOI #14035 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Australian National University,

I am requesting the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.

Yours faithfully,

Joyce Mayer

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14035 email]

Is [ANU request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Australian National University? If so, please contact us using this form:
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:
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.

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

hide quoted sections

Sinere apologies for the typo, Joyce - the below email should read 'Dear Joyce'.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team

-----Original Message-----
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 10:19 PM
To: 'Joyce Mayer' <[FOI #14035 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Acknowledgement - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Dear Josh,

On 24 November 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:

“… the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.”

Your request has been assigned the case number 202500302.

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 Wednesday 24 December 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 [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 endeavours 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: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce Mayer <[FOI #14035 email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 8:40 PM
To: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

[You don't often get email from [FOI #14035 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Australian National University,

I am requesting the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.

Yours faithfully,

Joyce Mayer

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14035 email]

Is [ANU request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Australian National University? If so, please contact us using this form:
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:
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.

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

hide quoted sections

Dear Joyce,

I refer to your below request for access to documents under the FOI Act, regarding the meeting agenda for a College of Science Executive meeting around October/November 2024.

Clarification Sought

There are two College of Science Executive Committee meetings that fall just outside of your specified time parameters:

1. 2 October 2024
2. 6 November 2024

Could you please clarify which meeting you meant for this access request?

If you could get back to us ideally by COB this Thursday 27 November 2025, that would be appreciated and will help us process your request.

Thank you for your engagement.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 10:21 PM
To: 'Joyce Mayer' <[FOI #14035 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Acknowledgement - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Sinere apologies for the typo, Joyce - the below email should read 'Dear Joyce'.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team

-----Original Message-----
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 10:19 PM
To: 'Joyce Mayer' <[FOI #14035 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Acknowledgement - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Dear Josh,

On 24 November 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:

“… the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.”

Your request has been assigned the case number 202500302.

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 Wednesday 24 December 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 [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 endeavours 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: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce Mayer <[FOI #14035 email]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 8:40 PM
To: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

[You don't often get email from [FOI #14035 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Australian National University,

I am requesting the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.

Yours faithfully,

Joyce Mayer

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14035 email]

Is [ANU request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Australian National University? If so, please contact us using this form:
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:
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.

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

hide quoted sections

Acknowledged with thanks, Joyce

We have passed on your below clarification to the relevant subject matter experts so they can retrieve and review any relevant documents.

Thank you again,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce Mayer <[FOI #14035 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 2:53 PM
To: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Clarification Sought (Two Possible Mtgs) - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Dear Freedom of Information,

Thank you for confirming the possible meeting dates. Please proceed for the 2 October 2024 documents.

Yours sincerely,

Joyce Mayer

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

Dear Joyce,

I refer to your below request for access to documents under the FOI Act, regarding the meeting agenda for a College of Science Executive meeting around October/November 2024.

Clarification Sought

There are two College of Science Executive Committee meetings that fall just outside of your specified time parameters:

1. 2 October 2024
2. 6 November 2024

Could you please clarify which meeting you meant for this access request?

If you could get back to us ideally by COB this Thursday 27 November 2025, that would be appreciated and will help us process your request.

Thank you for your engagement.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14035 email]

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:
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.

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

hide quoted sections

Dear Joyce,

You will receive a similar message for any and all active FOI requests you currently have with the Australian National University (the University). This message relates to the following FOI request 202500302:

“… the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.”

On 25 November 2025, after we sought clarification from you, you confirmed the following:

"Please proceed for the 2 October 2024 documents."

This email is to manage your expectations about when you can receive a response to this freedom of information (FOI) request, and advise you of your option to agree to an extension until Friday 23 January 2026 if you so wish.

Please keep in mind that, regardless of whether you agree to an extension or not, your request will still be processed – even though it may technically be considered a ‘deemed refusal’ if we do not meet deadline. Your rights in that regard are pasted below this email’s signature.

Update on your request

During our search for material, we have found three documents in relation to your request. During the search for your clarified request, staff realised that there was also a meeting that took place on 14 October 2024 - therefore this was added to the collation in the spirit of the FOI Act.

These documents are currently being reviewed - and we are trying to provide you (and other applicants) with a response this side of Christmas with a limited number of staff. In case we are unable to meet the current deadline, please note the following information

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 – making the current deadline Wednesday 24 December 2025, as advised in our acknowledgement email to you below.

FOI Team Volumes & University Christmas Shutdown Period

Volumes

To manage your expectations, the FOI Team’s workload is currently at very high levels due to the unprecedented volume of FOI requests.

We are using our best endeavours 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.

There will also be absences of key staff, not just in the FOI team but across the wider business (e.g. subject matter experts), during this time.

University Christmas Shutdown Period – Option for an Agreed Section 15AA Extension

Over the Christmas and New Year 2025-2026 period, the University will be shut down from Thursday 25 December 2025, re-opening on Monday 5 January 2026.

Taking the above into account, you are therefore welcome to agree to an extension of up to 30 days under s 15AA of the FOI Act until Friday 23 January 2026.

If you do agree, please let us know by way of reply email; we will notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner as required.

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 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 likely be technically late / a deemed refusal, and be aware of your review rights under our email signature below.

In short, your request is being and will be 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.

The processing period may also 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 [ANU request email].

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

Your review rights
If you are dissatisfied with a 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 [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 https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
Email: [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. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...

-----Original Message-----
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 3:33 PM
To: 'Joyce Mayer' <[FOI #14035 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Clarification Rec'd (2 Oct 2024 Mtg) - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Acknowledged with thanks, Joyce

We have passed on your below clarification to the relevant subject matter experts so they can retrieve and review any relevant documents.

Thank you again,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce Mayer <[FOI #14035 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 2:53 PM
To: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Clarification Sought (Two Possible Mtgs) - Meeting agenda for Science executive team

Dear Freedom of Information,

Thank you for confirming the possible meeting dates. Please proceed for the 2 October 2024 documents.

Yours sincerely,

Joyce Mayer

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

Dear Joyce,

I refer to your below request for access to documents under the FOI Act, regarding the meeting agenda for a College of Science Executive meeting around October/November 2024.

Clarification Sought

There are two College of Science Executive Committee meetings that fall just outside of your specified time parameters:

1. 2 October 2024
2. 6 November 2024

Could you please clarify which meeting you meant for this access request?

If you could get back to us ideally by COB this Thursday 27 November 2025, that would be appreciated and will help us process your request.

Thank you for your engagement.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14035 email]

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:
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.

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

hide quoted sections

Dear Joyce,

I refer to your revised request for access to documents received by the Australian National University (the University) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) as follows:

“… the meeting agenda, notes and papers for the College of Science Executive meeting, in the period 10 October to 2 November 2024.”

On 25 November 2025, after we sought clarification from you, you confirmed the following:

"Please proceed for the 2 October 2024 documents", which meant the documents associated with the 2 October 2024 meeting.

Update on Your Request

• The three documents in scope of your request have been reviewed.
• Within the in-scope material is information concerning the personal information of an individual staff member. The relevant material is in scope, and is relevant to both the agenda and the minutes of the 2 October 2024 meeting – therefore, it is best practice to consult with the individual concerned.
• Under such circumstances, not only is it best practice, but the University is required to consult with the individual concerned (under section 27 of the FOI Act) before making a decision on the release of that material within those documents.
• We have already reached out to this individual, and hope to hear back from them as soon as they are able to reply, taking into account the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. However, please keep in mind that that they may not be able to give us an answer in the ideal timeframe – especially with staff in both the public and private sectors taking leave as the Christmas / New Year season approaches.

Extension for Consultation

Due to this consultation, the period for processing your request has been extended by 30 days in order to allow our agency time to consult with that individual (section 27 of the FOI Act). The processing period for your request will technically now end on Friday 23 January 2026.

Query for you re the consideration of some staff names

Within the in-scope documents are over 30 names of mostly academic staff who are mentioned in the agenda and the minutes of the 2 October 2024 meeting – but will not be aware they were mentioned, were not present at the meeting, and will be unaware that their names are under consideration for release (and publication) through the Freedom of Information process.

We are aware that this access request has been made through the ‘Right to Know’ website, so the University’s response will be published online straight away. Regardless of the avenue by which the request was made, disclosure of information under the FOI Act must be considered to be disclosure to the world at large and not just to you as the applicant.

The context in which all these staff are mentioned varies according to the individual, with the vast majority being positively acknowledged in a congratulatory manner for their various achievements and awards. The remaining staff in this category (mentioned but not present, and objectively not material to the substance of the agenda or minutes of the meeting) are mentioned in the context of their resignation, upcoming engagements (again, in a celebratory manner), or passing.

At least 2 further names are difficult to tell whether they are staff or students. Any student mentioned (even though all are mentioned in a congratulatory manner) may be redacted for privacy reasons – especially given they are not public servants – along much the same reasons as we have given above in relation to the 30+ staff. Any names who were former staff at the time of the meeting may also be redacted for privacy reasons.

Would you therefore agree to the redaction of this category of staff member (i.e. mentioned but not present or material to the request), in a bid to protect their privacy?

Your agreement would greatly assist us in the processing time of your request.

Unfortunately, the one consultation we must perform does not fit into this category of staff, given the material is of substance to the meeting, and therefore is relevant to your request.

Looking forward to hearing from you and Merry Christmas,

FOI Team
University Governance Office
The Australian National University

Email: [ANU request email]
Web: https://www.anu.edu.au/freedom-of-inform...
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

-----Original Message-----
From: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Sent: Monday, 22 December 2025 12:02 PM
To: 'Joyce Mayer' <[FOI #14035 email]>
Cc: Freedom of Information <[ANU request email]>
Subject: RE: ANU FOI 202500302 - Update + Managing Your Expectations Before Christmas-New Year Period + Option for Agreed s 15AA Extension - Meeting agenda for Science executive team