Relevant decisions from other jurisdictions

Herbert and Ministry of Housing [2000] WAICmr 41

This decision considered the application of a similar exemption under Western Australian legislation. Schedule 1, clause 5(1)(f) of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) states that ‘matter is exempt if its disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger the security of any property’.

he relevant matter consisted of the house plans of a third party. The Western Australian Information Commissioner found that the reasonable expectation of endangerment to the security of a property must be assessed according to disclosure to the world at large. [19] Since the house plans would reveal the best access points for illegal entry, the Western Australian Information Commissioner was satisfied that disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger the security of the building. [24] Accordingly, the relevant matter was exempt from disclosure.