Shoebridge v Forestry Corporation of NSW [2016] NSWCATAD 93

Civil and Administrative Tribunal New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Shoebridge v Forestry Corporation of NSW [2016] NSWCATAD 93 Hearing dates: On the papers Date of orders: 16 May 2016 Decision date: 16 May 2016 Jurisdiction: Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division Before: Dr J Renwick SC, Senior Member Decision: I am therefore satisfied that there is, in relation to the applicant's applications, 'special benefit to the public generally in the application' within the meaning of s 66 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act. It follows that there is to be a 50% reduction in processing fees charged to the applicant, and a refund paid accordingly within 14 days. Catchwords: CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL – Government Information (Public Access) Act – request by Member of Parliament for information about spraying of pesticides in forests – special benefit to the public generally in the application justifying 50% reduction in processing fees Legislation Cited: Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW) Forestry Act 2012 (NSW) Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) Pesticides Regulation 2009 (NSW) Cases Cited: Commissioner of Taxation v Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd [2012] HCA 55 Lee v Evans [1964] HCA 65 Victoria Railways Commissioners v McCartney [1935] HCA 28 Category: Principal judgment Parties: David Shoebridge (Applicant) Forestry Corporation of NSW (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: J Coburn (Respondent)