A former staffer asked the university for access to electronically/digitally stored documents relating to a completed workplace investigation

The university allowed access to some but not others, on the basis that ordinary access provisions of the Freedom of Information Act did not apply. The university also wanted to charge a higher fee for providing documents stored electronically than if they were on paper.

The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner did not agree with Monash U, neither did the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

So the university went to the Supreme Court of Victoria, seeking leave to appeal VCAT’s ruling. Judge Cavanough granted leave but dismissed the university’s appeal.

His judgement is HERE. Believe FOI matters? Worth reading.