Watt and Department of Police

Watt and Queensland Police Service
(1999 S0121, 8 June 2001) 

The matter in issue comprised a memorandum written to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) containing allegations about the applicant.  The author of the memorandum claimed that it was provided to the QPS in confidence and was therefore exempt from disclosure to the applicant under s.46(1) of the FOI Act.  It was clear that the specific contents of the memorandum had been discussed with the applicant and his barrister during an interview between the applicant and a police officer. 

Applying the principles stated in B and Brisbane North Regional Health Authority (1994) 1 QAR 279 and Godwin and Queensland Police Service (1997) 4 QAR 70, the Assistant Information Commissioner decided that the memorandum could no longer qualify for exemption under s.46(1) of the FOI Act.