Francis and Sport Integrity Australia (Freedom of information)

This matter concerned a freedom of information request made by Mr Bruce Francis to Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) for documents relating to SIA's investigation into the Essendon Football Club's supplements program. SIA refused access to certain documents, asserting exemptions under the *Freedom of Information Act 1982* (Cth), including that the documents were obtained in confidence, disclosed deliberative matter, or would have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of agency operations. After internal review and a decision by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner not to review the matter, the case came before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether to grant a confidentiality order restricting the disclosure of certain redacted portions of the documents. SIA contended that disclosure would breach confidentiality, reveal deliberative processes, and adversely affect its operations. Mr Francis sought access to these documents.

The Tribunal considered the grounds for exemption raised by SIA, including sections 45, 47C, and 47E(d) of the *Freedom of Information Act 1982*. The Tribunal found it appropriate to grant a confidentiality order, thereby prohibiting and restricting the disclosure of specific redacted information within the documents. The order limited access to SIA, its authorised officers, its legal representatives, the Tribunal members and staff, and the Tribunal's transcription service staff.