Question 1
Original request: Copies of GCSB documents, correspondences and addresses (including but not
limited to emails, letters, and presentations), for specific periods (October 2017 – September 2019,
November 2008 – October 2017, December 1999 – November 2008, and November 1990 – November
1999), referring to any of the following terms:
a. Arab / Muslim / Islam / Islamist / Islamicist / Jihadist /
b. Terrorists / Extremists / Radical / Far-right / White supremacy
Your follow-up comment: We understand that our requests may take time to collate. We request
that the information still be collated as soon as possible so as to inform the current surge of public
resources already going into inquiring into these matters. Your agency’s cost will pale into
insignificance in comparison. We still request this information even if you gather this information very
slowly for some extremely extenuating reason beyond the submission date for the Royal Commission
Inquiry. This is because, as noted above, the information will also be helpful for researchers and
academics. Practical approaches to genuinely considering this request may include focusing on the
order of priority that we have provided and providing us with staggered responses. If needed, your
agency can prioritise certain searches as well. You can decide which searches you consider less
inconvenient to take on first as per GCSB’s operation processors or resource use etc. We request that
you keep us updated on your process.
I do not consider that an extension of the timeframe for responding to your request, or charging
you money, would enable the GCSB to provide a response. Due to the volume of information
involved, I consider that separating your request out by the time periods you provided would still
not enable the GCSB to fulfil your request without severely impacting the operating performance
of the organisation.
As stated in my original response, I welcome you to refine your request further, if there is a more
specific topic you seek information about.
Question 2
Original request: All interviews, speeches and lectures on the topic of the 'Role of the GCSB' from
October 2017 – September 2019, November 2008 – October 2017, December 1999 – November 2008,
and November 1990 – November 1999.
Your follow up comment: We understand from your response some speeches have been withheld
because they are not “unclassified.” It is difficult to gauge the extent of your refusal without a proper
compilation and itemised disclosure and/or refusal. You have not provided any itemised lists of
refusals, such as what the nature of the address generally was, who it was made to, what year and why
it is prejudicial. We argue that this is analogous to the “blanket” approach taken by the Minister in the
Kelsey case, which is unlawful.
I am extending the timeframe to respond to this request under section 15A(1)(b) of the OIA:
consultations necessary to make a decision as such that a proper response to the request cannot
reasonably be made within the original time limit. This is because I am considering for release
talking points for a series of closed forums I have presented to in my time as Director-General.
You will receive a further response by 24 April 2020.
