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RECORD RADAR · ROTATION 009
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SUN 28 JUN 2026
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— ROTATION 009 / 2026.06.28
Rotation 009 /054
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The 54 new FOI releases from Federal government departments and eight key agencies this week, 21 - 28 June 2026, are summarised below. Notable this week: An estimated 40% of GPs are using AI medical scribes that the Health department says have "little oversight" with some platforms sending patient data offshore; Home Affairs lost track of an application to de-list Hamas until it surfaced in Federal Court plus 10 more disclosures; ASIC's civil penalties have already hit $423 million in 2025-26, nearly quadrupling last year's total. Key companies mentioned: Anthropic, OpenAI, Apple, Microsoft, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, JB Hi-Fi, Tech Council of Australia, Alcoa, Seven Network, MizarVision, Air New Zealand, Global Blue Australia, Officeworks, Kmart, Bennett Resources, AAM Investment Group, Fivecast, Nyrstar, Glencore, Snowy Hydro, auDA, Australian Investment Council, McKell Institute If you've been forwarded this email, you can subscribe here. To find out more about how to lodge your own FOI requests, head to Right to Know. The initial release summaries are produced by AI, but verified and written by humans. All feedback is welcome, just reply to this email.
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54
Found
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13
Recommended-read
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28
Look
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32%
Avg redact
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HEALTH
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1 found · 1 recommended-read
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READ
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HEALTH
· % REDACTED 60%
Health officials flag AI scribe risks to patient safety and Medicare costs
An estimated 40% of GPs were using AI medical scribes as of November 2025, but the department warned the tools fall outside the medical device regulatory framework and have "little oversight." Four documents released in part note some suppliers advertise a 30% revenue increase with no extra consultations, raising concerns about Medicare costs, and flag that some scribe platforms may send patient data offshore without suppliers' knowledge. Redactions: deliberative content under s.22.
See the disclosure →
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DFAT
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2 found · 1 recommended-read · 1 look
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DFAT
· % REDACTED 45%
Declassified plans reveal DFAT prepared for nuclear incident during US-Iran conflict
DFAT developed contingency plans for a nuclear or radiological event from the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on 28 February 2026. Fifty-five pages released in part, and declassified, include radiation modelling and plume maps assessing risk to Australian embassies. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency assessed radiological risk to embassy locations as very low. Redactions: s.22, s.33, s.34 and s.47E(d).
See the disclosure →
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DFAT
· % REDACTED 35%
DFAT advised Sikh flags in Canberra could be "misconstrued" as Khalistan support
DFAT warned the ACT Government in April 2023 that Sikh religious flags on Canberra flagpoles could be mistaken for Khalistan separatist imagery. Fifty-three documents released in part show 82 flags were removed hours after installation following a public complaint, then reinstalled with text removed after DFAT brokered a compromise with the Canberra Sikh Association. Redactions: s.22; s.33; s.47B,C, E(d) and G.
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
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10 found · 3 recommended-read · 5 look
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 90%
Home Affairs Secretary's input on anti-semitism royal commission terms of reference almost entirely withheld
Home Affairs had direct input into the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion, but the substance is entirely hidden. Secretary Stephanie Foster sent "suggestions as discussed" to three PM&C officials on 7 January 2026; the email subject, attachment name and three pages of content are all withheld. Redactions: deliberative process under s.47C(1), Cabinet documents under s.34(1)(d).
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 45%
Asbestos-contaminated children's sand slipped past the border
Asbestos (tremolite and chrysotile) was found in children's coloured sand sold through Officeworks and Kmart, in Kadink and Educational Colours products imported from China. Emails released in part show ABF, ASSEA, the ACCC and state regulators coordinating an urgent response after Queensland authorities raised the alarm in November 2025. ABF created import risk profiles but noted mandatory testing of all consignments would be impractical. Redactions: operational detail under s.47E(d), deliberative content under s.47C(1).
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 5%
Overlooked Hamas de-listing application surfaced in Federal Court
Home Affairs overlooked an August 2024 application to de-list Hamas as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code; the application only came to light during Federal Court proceedings. A subsequent submission urged the AFP Minister to confirm the listing. Fourteen documents released in part also cover Palestinian visa handling, integrity cases linked to an APS open letter on Gaza, and a ministerial intervention backed by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. Redactions: personal details under s.47F, one entry partly withheld under s.47E(d).
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 95%
Minister exempted three boat arrivals from offshore transfer but reasoning is withheld
Then Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil exercised her discretion under the Migration Act in July 2024 to exempt three unauthorised maritime arrivals from mandatory transfer to regional processing. Skip as the documents are almost entirely redacted. Redactions: s.37(2)(b), s.47E(d), s.47F(1), s.33(a)(iii), s.22(1)(a)(ii).
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 40%
Officials crafted escalating defences of IHRA definition against criticism-of-Israel concerns
Home Affairs, DFAT and PM&C developed six versions of government talking points on the IHRA antisemitism definition, escalating from a basic endorsement to increasingly explicit assurances that the non-legally binding definition does not prevent criticism of Israel. The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism was expected to publish a supplementary Australian guide by early February 2026. Cabinet-classified emails from December 2025 and January 2026 released in part. Redactions: deliberative content and personal details under s.22 and s.47C.
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 2%
Returning law enforcement agencies to Home Affairs cost under $1 million
Transferring law enforcement functions and five agencies including the AFP and ASIO back from the Attorney-General's Department to Home Affairs in May 2025 cost just $947,000, despite involving $60 million in annual funding and 167 staff. Three estimates hearing briefs released in part detail the shifts between the two departments since 2022. Redactions: negligible.
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 20%
How Home Affairs decides who gets a student visa
Three documents released in part detail how Home Affairs assesses Student (subclass 500) visa applications, including a 2018 standard operating procedure on the Genuine Student criterion that replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test from March 2024. Redactions: operational process details and system names withheld under s.47E(d).
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 0%
Top 100 Tourist Refund Scheme retailers listed by ABN
Home Affairs released in full an eight-page document ranking the top 100 retailers by sales refunds and sales claims processed through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Retailers are identified by Australian Business Number rather than name, but the top five are Hermès ($26.6m), Apple ($22.1m), Richemont ($19.9m), JB Hi-Fi ($19.3m) and Louis Vuitton ($17.1m). Redactions: nil.
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 5%
$109m in multicultural infrastructure grants pre-allocated to election commitment recipients
Thirty-nine community organisations were invited to apply for up to $109 million in infrastructure funding under a "closed non-competitive" process, with each recipient and grant amount predetermined during the 2025 federal election campaign. Projects range from an $18 million arts precinct in Melbourne to a $420,000 community centre expansion in Hallam. Redactions: staff/advisor names removed.
See the disclosure →
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HOME AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 0%
Minister twice exempted boat arrivals from visa ban citing public interest
Two statements tabled in Parliament reveal Home Affairs Ministers used discretion under s.198AE of the Migration Act to exempt classes of unauthorised maritime arrivals from the statutory visa application bar, first on 17 June 2022 and again on 31 May 2023. Both use near-identical language, citing the public interest without elaborating. Redactions: none.
See the disclosure →
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ATTORNEY GENERAL
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2 found · 1 recommended-read · 1 look
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ATTORNEY GENERAL
· % REDACTED 25%
Dreyfus was briefed on ICC warrants and antisemitism before Israel trip
Seven documents released in part cover planning and two briefing packs prepared for then Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus's January 2025 visit to Israel. The 183- and 209-page packs include talking points for meetings with Israeli President Herzog, Justice Minister Levin, Palestinian officials and hostage families, plus briefs on ICC arrest warrants, the ICJ genocide case, counter-terrorism and the Adass synagogue attack. Redactions: s.33(a)(iii), s.47E(d), s.47F(1), s.22(1).
See the disclosure →
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ATTORNEY GENERAL
· % REDACTED 45%
Executive Council of Australian Jewry given early access to draft hate crime bill
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry was invited to review a draft of the Combatting Hate and Extremism Bill, and meet Attorney-General Rowland weeks before public exposure. Fourteen documents released in part show close consultation between the AG's office, ECAJ and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism during the drafting period. ECAJ's feedback is fully redacted. Redactions: policy deliberations under s.47C and s.47G, personal details under s.22 and s.47F.
See the disclosure →
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SERVICES AUSTRALIA
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1 found · 1 look
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SERVICES AUSTRALIA
· % REDACTED 5%
Inclusion survey shows one in five staff face discrimination
Services Australia was recognised as a Diversity Council Australia Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026 after surveying 5,908 staff, but the same data found 19.6% reported experiencing discrimination or harassment in the past year, above the DCA member benchmark of 15%. The agency also established an Internal Integrity Taskforce focused on insider threat risks and is trialling a new customer authentication tool. Redactions: s.47E(d), released in part.
See the disclosure →
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DEFENCE
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4 found · 2 recommended-read · 1 look
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DEFENCE
· % REDACTED 50%
Defence banned Anzac Day green ribbon protest for redacted individual
Defence shut down a social media campaign urging veterans and serving members to wear green ribbons on medals at Anzac Day 2026, in solidarity with a redacted individual facing charges. Senior Defence public affairs staff tracked the movement from mid-April, and on 22 April Army headquarters ruled green ribbons on uniforms or medals were not approved at any time, along with orders that no imagery depicting the ribbons be cleared for release. Redactions: the individual's identity under s.47F; deliberative content under s.22; staff details under s.47E(d).
See the disclosure →
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DEFENCE
· % REDACTED 15%
Parliament ended the Major Projects Report over classification constraints
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit resolved in March 2026 to discontinue the Major Projects Report because increasing classification of Defence capability programs had reduced what could be publicly reported. The committee said it would instead scrutinise ANAO performance audits directly and develop its own program requiring Defence to furnish information. Redactions: personal details under s47F, operational details under s47E(d), irrelevant material under s22.
See the disclosure →
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DEFENCE
· % REDACTED 60%
Defence refused to address Chinese AI firm's tracking of Australian warship
ABC News asked Defence in March 2026 whether it was aware a Chinese AI firm, MizarVision, had published real-time satellite tracking of HMAS Toowoomba during a Taiwan Strait transit and imagery of US bases that US intelligence sources said endangered allied troops. Defence's cleared response declined to comment on intelligence matters or ship movements, citing operational security. Redactions: deliberative content under s47E(d), staff names under s47E(c), irrelevant material under s22.
See the disclosure →
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DEFENCE
· % REDACTED 100%
Fort Queenscliff heritage plan not published in disclosure log
The disclosure log lists the Fort Queenscliff Heritage Management Plan (dated 16 September 2019) but does not publish the document, directing requesters to email. We have requested a copy and will share details in a future edition.
See the disclosure →
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ASIC
· % REDACTED 5%
Civil penalties hit record $424 million with two months to go
ASIC's civil penalties have already reached $423.8 million in 2025-26 with two months remaining, nearly quadrupling the previous year's $104 million and eclipsing the prior record of $229.9 million set in 2021-22. The decade of enforcement data also shows investigations rising to 226 by April. Redactions: released in full.
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ASIC
· % REDACTED 0%
ASIC rejected company's share details lodgement in 2022
ASIC sent a requisition notice to Infosecassure Pty Ltd in August 2022 after finding a Form 484 updating the company's share details had not been completed correctly. The released documents also include a Form 207Z certifying stamp duty compliance for the issue of 467 seed preference shares to Upgrowth Digital Ventures Pty Ltd the previous month. Redactions: nil.
See the disclosure →
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PM&C
· % REDACTED 20%
Wells' $90,000 New York trip cost $22,000 more than estimated
Minister for Communications Anika Wells's trip to New York for UN General Assembly Week in September 2025 cost $90,772, $22,000 over the original $68,360 estimate, after outbound flights were rebooked at short notice via Air New Zealand. Wells and one senior adviser flew business class; hotel rooms ran $1,575 per night each. Four documents released in part. Redactions: staff names and parliamentary leave details under s.34(2).
See the disclosure →
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PM&C
· % REDACTED 0%
Albanese received over 90 diplomatic gifts in 12 months
Two documents released in full list official gifts to the Prime Minister and ministers from foreign governments between December 2024 and November 2025. China was the most prolific gift-giver, with 13 items from Albanese's July 2025 visit alone including books and plush pandas. Notable items include a gold-plated SIG Sauer pistol from Indonesia to Deputy PM Marles. Redactions: nil.
See the disclosure →
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PM&C
· % REDACTED 70%
PM&C internal security framework heavily redacted before release
PM&C released in part its departmental security framework, a nine-page document covering security assurance, awareness training, tenancy security, incident reporting, information security and the need-to-know principle. The unredacted portions are largely procedural, for example requiring staff to complete induction training. Redactions: the majority of detail, under s.47E(d).
See the disclosure →
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TREASURY
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2 found · 1 look
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TREASURY
· % REDACTED 0%
How veterans' lump-sum payouts convert to fortnightly pensions
The Australian Government Actuary's instructions for converting lump-sum compensation into fortnightly disability pension payments under section 25A of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 have been released in full. Redactions: none.
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SKIP
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TREASURY
· % REDACTED 5%
Tech and investment lobbyists met Treasury on capital gains changes
Treasury Deputy Secretary Diane Brown held three meetings in May 2026 with the Tech Council of Australia and the Australian Investment Council on capital gains tax discount removal and indexation changes announced in the 2026-27 Budget. The single-page document, released in full, lists dates and attendees but no briefing materials were requested for any meeting. Redactions: attendee names under s 47F
See the disclosure →
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SOCIAL SERVICES
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1 found · 1 skip
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SKIP
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SOCIAL SERVICES
· % REDACTED 10%
Robodebt reference group's $300 gift cards exempted from income test
The $300 gift cards paid to attendees of the Lived Experience Reference Group will not count as income for social security purposes as the payment was formally exempted under the Social Security Act. DSS treated the cards as incentives rather than remuneration because they are issued regardless of engagement. Redactions: legal privilege content under s 42.
See the disclosure →
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DEWR
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4 found · 2 recommended-read · 1 look
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DEWR
· % REDACTED 60%
Social media surveillance tool used to monitor skills training providers without consent
DEWR's compliance teams are scraping welfare recipients' social media using Fivecast ONYX, an open-source intelligence tool that identifies undeclared relationships and business links among skills training providers. Privacy threshold assessments acknowledge the tool handles sensitive data and targets vulnerable people, but conclude no full Privacy Impact Assessment is needed. The tool was procured via limited tender as the sole supplier. Redactions: Document 1 deleted entirely under s.42; remaining documents heavily redacted under s.22; s.47E(d) and G.
See the disclosure →
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DEWR
· % REDACTED 75%
Millions of personal records matched for fraud detection across skills programs
Six privacy threshold assessments released in part show DEWR matching personal data across apprenticeship, VET student loan and employment services databases to detect fraud and ineligible payments, with individual projects covering up to 22 million records. Two assessments triggered requirements for full privacy impact assessments due to high privacy risks including handling of sensitive information and behavioural profiling. Redactions: four legal advice documents deleted in full under s.42(1), with names removed under s.22 and a server location under s.47E(d).
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DEWR
· % REDACTED 75%
Competing bargaining claims between electricians' union and contractors tested in FWC
A Question Time Brief prepared for the minister addresses competing single interest bargaining applications before the Fair Work Commission from the Electrical Trades Union and a group of electrical contractors in NSW and the ACT. The ETU sought to cover multiple employers including non-unionised firms; the employers lodged a counter-application and unsuccessfully sought a stay. The suggested ministerial response defers to the FWC process. Redactions: majority of 11 pages removed under s.22.
See the disclosure →
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DEWR
· % REDACTED 10%
Minister Rishworth met with ETU national secretary in May 2026
A calendar invitation shows Minister Amanda Rishworth met ETU national secretary Michael Wright at Parliament House on 13 May 2026 for 30 minutes. The agenda is not disclosed and additional attendee names have been removed. Redactions: attendee names under s.22.
See the disclosure →
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INDUSTRY
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4 found · 4 look
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INDUSTRY
· % REDACTED 40%
Briefings reveal government pitch to Anthropic on investment, safety and data centres
Meeting briefs and emails show the Department of Industry prepared ministers and the PM for an April 2026 meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, at which a memorandum of understanding on AI collaboration was signed. The brief notes Anthropic is drawn to Australia by renewable energy potential and committed to covering its share of transmission costs. Officials also held a separate technical AI safety discussion with the company. Redactions: deliberative content under s.47C, international relations under s.33, and commercial-in-confidence material under s.45 and s.47G.
See the disclosure →
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INDUSTRY
· % REDACTED 50%
OpenAI's sustained lobbying push on Australian AI policy
OpenAI pursued extensive ministerial engagement over more than a year, including meetings at the India AI Summit, a McKell Institute dinner and briefings on a ten-point AI action plan for Australia. Officials prepared Minister Ayres for discussions on the OpenAI for Countries initiative, which requires participating nations to invest in US-based data centre infrastructure. Redactions: extensive material under s.45 (commercial confidence), s.47C (deliberative), s.47G (business affairs) and s.33 (international relations).
See the disclosure →
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INDUSTRY
· % REDACTED 60%
Dedicated government teams assigned to individual smelters under industrial transition push
The Industrial Transition Response Team has dedicated branches for specific heavy industry facilities including Tomago and Boyne aluminium smelters and Nyrstar and Glencore operations, reporting to an acting SES Band 2 head. A budget attachment shows a $500,000 MYEFO allocation for the Glencore Copper Smelter and Refinery Support Package. Redactions: names under s.22, budget details largely redacted.
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INDUSTRY
· % REDACTED 45%
Business support programme lacked marketing strategy for two years
A transcript of a 2019 meeting of the committee overseeing the federal Entrepreneurs' Programme was released in part. Committee members acknowledged a marketing plan had been in draft for about two years, leaving outreach "opportunistic”, and described the committee's grant decisions as opaque to the advisers who shepherd applicants through the process. Redactions: deliberative content, names and commercial material redacted under s.22, s.47C and s.47G.
See the disclosure →
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INFRASTRUCTURE
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4 found · 2 look
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INFRASTRUCTURE
· % REDACTED 100%
eSafety content classification documents noted but not published
Four eSafety content classification decisions and one investigation record from May to August 2025 are listed on the disclosure log but no documents have been published. We have requested copies from the department and will include them in next week's edition if received.
See the disclosure →
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INFRASTRUCTURE
· % REDACTED 45%
Government planned celebrity-studded UN event to promote social media age ban
Officials coordinated closely with advocacy group 36 Months and production company Finch to stage an event at UNGA High Level Week in September 2025 showcasing Australia's social media age reform legislation. Emails from August to September 2025, released in part, detail concept note development, venue logistics, and efforts to recruit celebrities including Idris Elba, Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman, with the PM's Office asked to send personal invitations. Redactions: international relations risks under s33(a)(iii).
See the disclosure →
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INFRASTRUCTURE
· % REDACTED 70%
Heavily redacted emails reveal little of department's engagement with .au domain body
Around 120 emails between the department and auDA (.au Domain Administration) across 2025 to 2026 were released in part across 201 pages. Substantive policy discussions appear to have taken place in meetings rather than in writing; the visible content is largely scheduling and announcements. The department's submission to auDA's 2026-30 strategy consultation was included but redacted. Redactions: personal details under s.47F, irrelevant material under s.22, business information under s.47G.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
· % REDACTED 30%
Remote WA aerodrome upgrade completed with delays, costs withheld
Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation received $178,750 to upgrade the Mulan (Lake Gregory) Aerodrome in remote Western Australia, covering fencing, runway grading, drainage, markers and portable lighting. The project was completed in November 2025. Redactions: expenditure breakdowns under s.47G, irrelevant material under s.22.
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AGRICULTURE
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1 found · 1 skip
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AGRICULTURE
· % REDACTED 0%
Food import compliance agreements doubled since 2019
The number of Food Import Compliance Agreements in place has doubled from 20 primary entities in 2019 to 40 by the end of 2025. Redactions: none.
See the disclosure →
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VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
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1 found · 1 look
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VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
· % REDACTED 0%
DVA's 71 medical advisers are contractors, not employees
DVA employed about 71 full-time equivalent medical advisers as of May 2026. A document created under s.17 of the FOI Act reveals the advisers are contractors, not DVA employees. DVA declined to answer questions about advisers' national origin and English-language background, calling them potentially discriminatory, but confirmed all must hold unrestricted AHPRA registration, have at least five years' clinical experience, and be Australian citizens. Redactions: none.
See the disclosure →
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
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12 found · 3 recommended-read · 8 look
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 35%
Endangered whale habitat flagged as major risk for offshore wind zone off Victoria
Released documents from DCCEEW's Migratory Species Section warned in 2023 that the proposed Southern Ocean Region offshore renewables declaration area overlaps one of only 12 known blue whale feeding sites worldwide. The Bonney Coast Upwelling between Portland and Kangaroo Island supports at least one endangered species year-round, with the eastern southern right whale population estimated at just 268 individuals. The section's recommendations on the area's suitability are fully redacted. Redactions: deliberative content withheld under s.47C, names removed under s.22.
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 5%
NT floodplain cropping already underway as investor seeks to lift EPBC dam condition
Seven documents released in part show AAM Investment Group wants to remove an EPBC Act condition prohibiting the use of dam water for cropping on the Legune Station floodplain in the NT. The condition was imposed when the 47,000 ML Forsythe Creek dam was approved in 2005 to protect migratory species and the Gouldian Finch. Redactions: minor, sensitivities/legal advice withheld under s.47E(d), s.37(2)(b) and s.42.
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 15%
Bowen's office dodged Spotlight interviews on renewable energy and nickel
Seven Network's Spotlight program sought sit-down interviews with Minister Chris Bowen across two investigations, Indonesian nickel in EV supply chains and Australia's renewable energy rollout, and was refused both times over more than a year. An internal DCCEEW email described the renewable energy interview prospect as likely to be "a smash up, same as we had during the election with EVs." The Minister's office repeatedly deflected with offers to respond to written questions, prompting the Spotlight producer to ask whether the refusal was a scheduling issue or whether the Minister considered it "politically safer" to avoid an on-camera interview. Six documents released in part. Redactions: minor, staff names.
See the disclosure →
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SKIP
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 80%
Alcoa sought national interest exemption from environmental laws, citing jobs
A heavily redacted ministerial brief asked the Environment Minister to decide on a national interest exemption under s.158 of the EPBC Act for Alcoa of Australia. The visible portions reference Alcoa's planned gallium plant at Wagerup in Western Australia to supply about 10% of global gallium, and a workforce of approximately 6,000. Redactions: the substance of the department's advice and the Minister's decision are entirely redacted under s.22(1)(a)(ii).
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 15%
Scientists flag water risk gaps in Kimberley fracking proposal near heritage-listed river
Twenty documents released in part show the IESC raised significant concerns about water impact assessments for Bennett Resources' Valhalla gas exploration project, a 20-well hydraulic fracturing proposal in the Canning Basin near the National Heritage-listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River. The committee's draft advice found the proponent relied on regional rather than site-specific data and used what it called an "unnecessarily simplistic" approach to assessing risks. Redactions: portions of draft advice versions withheld under s.47C.
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 5%
Kimberley gas fracking proposal flagged aquifer and species concerns during assessment
Seven documents released in part show correspondence between DCCEEW and Bennett Resources during the EPBC assessment of the Valhalla gas exploration proposal, which involves hydraulic fracture stimulation at up to 20 wells east of Broome. Key points of contention included the adequacy of groundwater monitoring for the Poole aquifer, wastewater pond overtopping risk, and protections for bilby and skink habitat. A project assessment plan targets a ministerial decision by September 2026. Redactions: staff names and contact details withheld under s.22(1)(a)(ii).
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 20%
Commonwealth bore rehab funding traced from 1901 stock bore to multi-million dollar replacement
Twenty-five documents released in part cover Commonwealth funding for the Mungerannie Bore project in outback South Australia. The 1901 bore was rated at extreme risk of catastrophic failure; replacement was approved for a $1 million Commonwealth contribution to save an estimated 411 megalitres annually under the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative and its successor drought resilience program. The release spans ministerial correspondence, bilateral schedules and state work plans from 2016 to 2023. Redactions: names and contact details withheld under s.22 and s.47F.
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 10%
Bowen's March diary shows back-to-back fossil fuel meetings amid regional fuel crisis
Minister Bowen held at least 15 meetings or events with fossil fuel and energy company representatives in March 2026. Topics included the Gas Market Review, energy transition policy, the Default Market Offer, and AEMO's last resort powers. The diary also captures an urgent meeting with Nationals MP Jamie Chaffey and independent fuel wholesalers over halted diesel deliveries to farmers in the Parkes electorate. Released in part. Redactions: staff names and contact details under s.22 and s.47F.
See the disclosure →
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 15%
Submissions log shows fuel supply, AEMO powers and COP31 prep on Bowen's desk
A log of ministerial submissions sent to Minister Bowen's office between January and May 2026 was released in part. Visible topics include expanding AEMO powers, the Gas Market Review, Snowy Hydro progress reports, a temporary petrol sulfur limit extension, letters to the AER on fuel supply, CarbonNet, community batteries, and the appointment of Sally Higgins as COP31 Youth Climate Champion. Redactions: titles and dates withheld under s.42; s.47B, C, G and F.
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
· % REDACTED 5%
WA prescribed burns near threatened species habitat proceed without federal referral
DCCEEW warned WA's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) that two prescribed burns in the Walpole Wilderness Area could require EPBC Act approval, given habitat for critically endangered western ringtail possums, endangered black cockatoos and endangered Empodisma peatlands in the burn zones. Redactions: staff names and contact details withheld under s.22 and s.47F, with one location detail under s.47B and s.47E.
See the disclosure →
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LOOK
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
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Forty threatened species flagged near Gippsland burn site
Two documents released in full show DCCEEW assessed environmental sensitivities along the Fernbank-Fernbank Track in Gippsland, Victoria. It identified 40 threatened species, one critically endangered ecological community, and proximity to the Ramsar wetland. Also includes before-and-after satellite imagery showing a burn carried out between April and May 2025 at the site. Redactions: none.
See the disclosure →
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READ
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CLIMATE AND ENERGY
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Elder sought heritage protection for ancestor's burial site threatened by sand mining
A Wodi Wodi Elder applied under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 to protect the burial place of her great-great-grandfather, William Walker, near Minnamurra, NSW, from the Dunmore Lakes Sand Extraction Project. Release includes the application, archaeological heritage assessments identifying two moderate-to-high significance Aboriginal sites in the extraction area, and a supporting letter from native title representative body NTSCORP. Redactions: personal contact details removed under s.47F and s.11C.
See the disclosure →
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Quiet this rotation · no releases from ATO, EDUCATION, ACCC, APRA, AUSTRAC, AFP, NDIS + NDIS COMMISSION, IP AUSTRALIA, RBA, AEC.
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