Del v Director-General, NSW Department of Community Services

The High Court of Australia considered an appeal by Del against a decision of the Director-General of the NSW Department of Community Services. The dispute concerned the Director-General's refusal to grant Del access to certain records held by the Department, which Del sought under the *Freedom of Information Act 1989* (NSW).

The central legal issue before the High Court was whether the Director-General was justified in refusing access to the records on the grounds that they were exempt from disclosure under the *Freedom of Information Act*. Specifically, the Court had to determine if the records fell within the scope of exemptions relating to the personal affairs of other individuals or if their disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.

The Court's reasoning focused on the interpretation of the relevant provisions of the *Freedom of Information Act* and the principles governing the balancing of an individual's right to access information against the need to protect privacy and other public interests. The judges examined the nature of the information sought and the potential harm that disclosure might cause. They applied established principles of administrative law concerning the exercise of discretionary powers by public officials.

Ultimately, the High Court allowed the appeal, finding that the Director-General had erred in refusing access to the records. The Court ordered that the Director-General grant Del access to the documents, subject to any necessary redactions to protect the personal information of third parties.