Shafran; Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs and

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviewed a decision by the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, concerning a Freedom of Information request. The applicant sought access to an audit log detailing staff and contractors who accessed a particular file note, specifically requesting names and dates. The Department granted partial access, withholding family names and login details, deeming this information exempt. The Information Commissioner had previously set aside this decision.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the withheld information, specifically the family names and login details within the audit log, constituted conditionally exempt matter under sections 47E or 47F of the *Freedom of Information Act 1982* (Cth). It also had to consider whether the disclosure of this information would be contrary to the public interest, as required by the Act.

The Tribunal reasoned that the audit log, by identifying individuals who accessed a file note, could reveal information about their involvement or interest in specific matters. Withholding family names and login details was intended to protect personal information and potentially sensitive work activities. The Tribunal considered the balance between the public interest in disclosure and the potential for harm or prejudice that disclosure might cause, particularly in relation to the individuals identified in the log. Ultimately, the Tribunal found that the decision to grant partial access, withholding the specified details, was appropriate and that disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.

The Tribunal set aside the decision under review and substituted it with a decision affirming the Department's original decision to withhold the family names and login details from the audit log.