Scholes and Decision Maker (Freedom of information)

This matter concerned an application for review by Scholes against a decision made by a Decision Maker concerning access to documents under the *Freedom of Information Act 1982* (Cth). The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) was tasked with determining the applicant's entitlement to access.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether certain documents, specifically those relating to the applicant's employment history and performance, were exempt from disclosure under the Act. The Decision Maker had previously refused access to these documents, and the Tribunal was required to consider the validity of that refusal.

Deputy President Forgie P considered the provisions of the *Freedom of Information Act 1982* (Cth) and relevant case law concerning the scope of exemptions, particularly those relating to personal information and the proper administration of government agencies. The Tribunal's reasoning focused on balancing the public interest in disclosure against the need to protect sensitive information. The Tribunal ultimately found that some of the documents were exempt, while others were not, leading to a partial grant of access.