Purvey and The University of Queensland

Application number:
2004 F0029
Decision date:
Monday, Feb 09, 2004

Purvey and The University of Queensland
 (2004 F0029, 9 February 2004) 

Extension of time 

The applicant sought access to a number of documents provided to, or created by, the respondent's School of Journalism and Communication Review Committee, including video-taped records of interviews with students.  The respondent failed to make a decision on access within the prescribed time and the applicant applied for external review.  The respondent requested an extension of time within which to make a decision, citing difficulties in consulting with third parties, and in having the records of interview converted to a conventional VHS video format, as the reasons for the delay.  The applicant opposed the respondent's application, contending that the respondent had had ample time to deal with his application, and that the request for an extension of time was a delaying tactic which was further evidence of the respondent's intention to deny him access to any documents. 

Assistant Commissioner Barker exercised her discretion to grant the respondent a short extension of time, as it had completed the necessary work and was in a position to advise the applicant of its decision.