ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON NOTICE Budget Estimates Hearing 21-24 May 2012 -  Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee 
Department/Agency: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Outcome/Program: 1.1.13
Topic: FOI decision maker - Peter Docwra
Senator: Senator Ludlam

Question:

Senator LUDLAM: I put a freedom of information request to the department on internal communications and also on communications with the governments of the United States and Sweden on the potential extradition or temporary surrender of Mr Julian Assange. I would like to ask about the way that FOI was processed. My understanding is that the decision maker was Mr Peter Docwra, the chief information officer. Is he still the chief information officer at PM&C?

Ms Noble: No, he is not.

Senator LUDLAM: When did he move on?

Ms Noble: I am not sure of the exact date. It was fairly recently and after your request was submitted to the department.

Senator LUDLAM: I hope it was not the cause of his departure. Can you please take on notice when he departed, the reasons for his departure and what he is up to now.

Senator LUDLAM: Please let us know where he has been redeployed.

Ms Noble: Certainly.

Answer:

Mr Docwra was not redeployed. He was selected to undertake the role of Security and Accreditation Assistant Secretary with the G20 Taskforce. He transferred to this position on 26 March 2012.