Read a selection of the Ombudsman’s Freedom of Information external review determinations.

These determinations show the types of external reviews regularly conducted by the Ombudsman, and provide insight into the Ombudsman’s interpretation of the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

February

Department of the Premier and Cabinet (2020/02624) (PDF, 136.7 KB)
Disclosure of documents relating to covert listening devices. Requirement for agency to justify determination.

Environment Protection Authority (2021/00346) (PDF, 87.4 KB)
Agency decision to extend time for response.

SA Forestry Corporation (2020/05758) (PDF, 98.2 KB)
Regarding documents pertaining to commercial functions.

The Treasurer (2020/04757) (PDF, 102.5 KB)
Consideration whether disclosure could damage intergovernmental relations and, on balance be contrary to the public interest.

March

SA Police (2020/05319) (PDF, 85.8 KB)
Application of clause 6, clause 12 and the Emergency Management Act.

District Council of Tumby Bay (2021/00210) (PDF, 111.1 KB)
Regarding documents relating to the Port Spencer Project.

Department for Health and Wellbeing (2020/04824) (PDF, 94.6 KB)
Consideration of clause6(1) and duty to cooperate pursuant to section 39(7) of the FOI Act.

April

Department for Energy and Mining (2020/05327) (PDF, 122.8 KB)
Consideration of clauses 6, 7, 12(1) and 13.

SA Police (2020/05667) (PDF, 102.9 KB)
Application for access to documents which had been tendered during a court process to which the applicant was a party.

May

Department for Energy and Mining (2021/01085) (PDF, 88.3 KB)
Interpretation of City of Adelaide Act 1998 in light of the FOI Act.

June

Central Adelaide Local Health Network (2021/00492) (PDF, 145.7 KB)
Consideration of disclosure of 'personal affairs'.

Department of the Premier and Cabinet (2020/05812) (PDF, 292.9 KB)
External review regarding documents relating to meetings of the COVID-19 Transition Committee.

City of Charles Sturt (2021/00256) (PDF, 308.2 KB)
Consideration of legal professional privilege.

Department for Infrastructure and Transport  (2020/03986) (PDF, 476.8 KB)
Application by MLC regarding a proposed road development.

July

Campbelltown City Council (2021/01554) (PDF, 121.0 KB)
Consideration where disclosure would adversely affect the private interest of individuals involved.

August

Attorney-General's Department (2020/01954) (PDF, 348.0 KB)
Relating to deliberations of Cabinet.

September

South Australian Tourism Commission (2021/02410) (PDF, 258.7 KB)
Consideration of impact on commercial activities.

November

SA Forestry Corporation (2021/03554) (PDF, 146.8 KB)
Disclosure in the absence of contractual confidentiality terms.

University of Adelaide (2021/02707) (PDF, 261.9 KB)
Consideration of personal affairs, commercial sensitivity and confidential information.