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DEFENCE FOI 814/24/25
STATEMENT OF REASONS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1982
1.
I refer to the request by Daphne (the applicant), dated and received on 25 March 2025
by the Department of Defence (Defence), for access to the following documents under
the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):
“As seen in an image on The Cove (https://cove.army.gov.au/article/musings-fourth-
year-career-advisor), these full-colour emblems represent each Australian Army
Corps. However, an official, high-resolution collection of these emblems does not
appear to be publicly available?
Therefore I am requesting a digital high-resolution, (print quality - no less than
300dpi) pdf format of the collection of Australian Army Corps full colour emblems
which are featured on the above mentioned link, please.”
FOI decision maker
2.
I am the authorised officer pursuant to section 23 of the FOI Act to make a decision on
this FOI request.
Documents identified
3.
I have identified documents as falling within the scope of the request.
Decision
4.
I have decided to refuse access to documents on the grounds that the documents are
considered exempt under section 47E [Public interest conditional exemptions – certain
operations of agencies] of the FOI Act.
Material taken into account
5.
In making my decision, I have had regard to:
a. the terms of the request;
b. the content of the identified documents in issue;
c. relevant provisions of the FOI Act;
d. the Guidelines published by the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner under section 93A of the FOI Act (the Guidelines); and
e. advice from the Australian Army Brand Manager.
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REASONS FOR DECISION 
Section 47E – Public interest conditional exemptions – certain operations of agencies  
6. 
Section 47E(d) of the FOI Act states: 
A document is conditionally exempt if its disclosure under this Act would, or 
could reasonably be expected to, do any of the following:  
(d)  have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of 
the operations of the agency. 
7. 
The Guidelines, at paragraph 6.115, provide that: 
  The predicted effect must bear on the agency’s ‘proper and efficient’ 
operations, that is, the agency is undertaking its operations in an expected 
manner. 
8. 
The material falling within scope of the request are documents and images that are 
protected under section 83 of the Defence Act 1903 (Cth). If the documents were 
disclosed, Army’s ability to collect information of the same quality and effectiveness 
as is currently achieved in day-to-day operations, would be decreased. This would 
adversely affect the Army’s operational capabilities and limit is capacity to carry out 
its functions efficiently.  
9. 
The Guidelines provide, at paragraph 6.112, that I should consider whether disclosure 
of the information ‘would, or could reasonably be expected to lead to a change in the 
agency’s processes that would enable those processes to be more efficient.’ Given the 
nature of the documents and images, which are protected under section 83 of the 
Defence Act 1903 (Cth), I am satisfied that release of the information could 
reasonably be expected to cause detriment to the Australian Army brand. 
10. 
Accordingly, I am satisfied that the information is conditionally exempt under section 
47E(d) of the FOI Act. 
Public interest considerations - sections 47E 
11. 
Section 11A(5) of the FOI Act states: 
The agency or Minister must give the person access to the document if it is 
conditionally exempt at a particular time unless (in the circumstances) 
access to the document at that time would, on balance, be contrary to the 
public interest.  
12. 
I have considered the factors favouring disclosure as set out in section 11B(3) [factors 
favouring access] of the FOI Act. The relevant factors being whether access to the 
document would: 
(a) promote the objects of this Act (including all the matters set out in 
sections 3 and 3A); 
(b) inform debate on a matter of public importance; 
(c) promote effective oversight of public expenditure; 
 
 
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(d) allow a person to access his or her own personal information. 
13. 
In my view, disclosure of this information would not increase public participation in 
the Defence process (section 3(2)(a) of the FOI Act), nor would it increase scrutiny or 
discussion of Defence activities (section 3(2)(b) of the FOI Act). 
14. 
Paragraph 6.233 of the Guidelines specifies a non-exhaustive list of public interest 
factors against disclosure. The factors I find particularly relevant to this request are 
that release of this information could reasonably be expected to prejudice the 
management function of an agency. 
15. 
All Defence emblems including the Australian Army Corps emblems and the Rising 
Sun badge are protected by legislation - section 83 of the Defence Act 1903 (Cth). In 
addition, the Corps emblems and the Rising Sun badge are registered trademarks 
owned by the Commonwealth of Australia represented by the Department of Defence 
(Commonwealth) under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). In consideration of these 
protections, it is an offence to use a Defence emblem or an emblem that resembles a 
Defence emblem without authorisation from the Australian Minister for Defence or an 
appointed delegate. 
16. 
I have not taken any of the factors listed in section 11B(4) [irrelevant factors] of the 
FOI Act into account when making this decision.  
17. 
I am satisfied, based on the above particulars, the public interest factors against 
disclosure outweigh the factors for disclosure, and that, on balance, it is against the 
public interest to release the information to you. Accordingly, I find that the 
information is exempt under section 47E of the FOI Act. 
FURTHER INFORMATION 
18. 
Members of the public are welcome to apply for permission to use an Australian Army 
emblem. To apply for use of the emblems, complete the application form available at 
https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/army-brand/application-use-army-
emblem. A visual representation of the proposed use of the emblem is required when 
applying. 
 
 
Digitally signed by 
 
isabella.italiano2 
isabella.italiano2 Date: 2025.04.16 
09:35:18 +10'00'
Ms Isabella Italiano   
Accredited Decision Maker 
Army Headquarters 
Department of Defence