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.
January
Boileau and Department for Infrastructure and Transport (2024/05724)
(PDF, 157.9 KB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered the application of clause 15. Documents concerned the financial or property interests of the State, and disclosure found to be contrary to the public interest.
Meyer and Yorke Peninsula Council (2024/0514) (PDF, 154.5 KB)
External Review in which the Ombudsman considered section 18(2a) concerning refusal to deal with an application due to a pattern of conduct that amounts to an abuse of the right of access.
Beckworth and Department for Mining and Energy (2024/02645) (PDF, 8.8 MB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered clause 10 concerning legal professional privilege.
February
Patrick and Premier (2023/07164) (PDF, 144.1 KB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered the application of clause 6, clause 4(1)(a) and clause 4(2)(a).
July
(Anonymised) Attorney-General's Department (2025/00625)
(PDF, 138.0 KB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered the application of clauses 9 and 13 concerning internal working documents and confidential material.
Richards and South Australia Police (2025/02004)
(PDF, 100.1 KB)
External Review in which the Ombudsman considered the application of clause 4(1)(b) and clause 4(2)(a)(iv).
August
(Anonymised) Local Health Network (2025/01523) (PDF, 147.5 KB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered sections 31 and 35 concerning a request to amend a record.
October
(Anonymised) and SA Police (2024/03545) (PDF, 260.5 KB)
External review in which the Ombudsman considered amendment of records.
November
External review in which the Ombudsman considered clause 17(c) concerning parliamentary privilege, clause 1(1)(f) concerning cabinet documents and clause 9 concerning internal working documents.
