Carter and James Cook University
(2000 S0210, 28 March 2002)
James Cook University commissioned an external consultant to conduct a review of the School of Earth Sciences following concerns that were raised about the administration of the School. A Report was produced which comprised the matter in issue in this review. The applicant, who was a former Head of the School of Earth Sciences, applied to access the Report. The University claimed that the release of the report would have a substantial adverse effect on the management and assessment by the University of its personnel, and claimed exemption under s.40(c) of the FOI Act.
The Assistant Information Commissioner decided that disclosure of some parts of the report could reasonably be expected to heighten tension and conflict within the School, and thereby have an adverse effect on the management of the school. Those parts of the report were found to be exempt from disclosure under s.40(c) of the FOI Act. Some parts of the report, which referred to the applicant and provided general information, were released to the applicant.