What criteria should be used to decide whether or not to hold an inquiry?
A decision to deny an inquiry results in an Applicant being denied the right to review a public body’s decision regarding the requested records. When making a decision that impacts these rights, the importance of the rights protected by the ATIPP Act must be borne in mind. In this case, the IPC exercised her discretion to decline the Applicant's request to hold an inquiry, finding that it was plain and obvious that disclosure would be an unreasonable invasion of third party privacy.
Request for information relating to legal fees paid to a particular law firm for services in matters involving the Applicant, over a specific period of time
The Applicant requested a review of the decision of the Department to refuse access to records containing information relating to legal fees paid to a particular law firm for services in matters involving the Applicant, over a specific period of time. The Applicant argued that access to the amounts of total fees paid from public funds should be available as they are not subject to solicitor client privilege.
Request for a two-page retainer letter for legal services
The Applicant requested a review of the decision of the Department to refuse access to one record: a two-page retainer letter for legal services. The Applicant argued the Department had waived the privilege when the Premier, as the Minister of Finance, spoke publicly about the resulting legal opinion.
