Disclosure of documents regarding interactions between applicant and agency employees

The applicant applied for records regarding an interview between the applicant and a public sector employee on a specific date and time. The applicant also sought written records about the applicant within a given timeframe, as held by nominated agency officers. The agency decided the application was non-compliant on the basis it did not provide sufficient information about the documents requested. On external review, OIC wrote to the agency to relay its preliminary view that the application was compliant, noting OIC could readily identify the documents sought by the applicant, and viable search avenues. OIC impressed on the agency the fact that the requirement to provide sufficient information of requested documents does not extend to an obligation that the applicant have knowledge of an agency’s record-keeping systems, processes or databases. The agency accepted the preliminary view and the application returned to the agency to continue processing the application.