Freedom of Information

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment a question regarding compliance with freedom of information legislation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: A freedom of information request was sent to the minister's office in October of this year asking for 'copies of any and all documents that mention or reference in any way Corey Ahlburg'. Yesterday, the minister's office returned a determination that stated, 'After a thorough search, I have identified nil documents that relate to your request.'

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: Hear, hear.

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: The Treasurer may regret his enthusiasm. However, another FOI request returned on the same day for the same time period provided documents that mentioned Corey Ahlburg's name no less than four times. As I stated, another FOI request returned on the same day for the same time period provided documents that mentioned Corey Ahlburg's name in the documents literally no less than four times, including meetings with the minister's chief of staff. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the minister exerted undue influence on his FOI officer to suppress documents relating to convicted sex offender Corey Ahlburg?

2. What else is the minister not saying about his relationship with convicted sex offender Corey Ahlburg?

3. Does the minister believe that either he or his staff have met all their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act in relation to this determination?

4. Given the minister seems to have not disclosed some documents in regard to convicted sex offender Corey Ahlburg, has the minister ever misled parliament in relation to his relationship with convicted sex offender Corey Ahlburg?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for his question. He has asked four questions. The answer to the first question, which was in relation to undue influence, is no. Secondly, in relation to the relationship, I have no relationship with the gentleman concerned. I believe, yes, we have met all the obligations and, no, I have not misled parliament.