Dear PM&C,

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I request access to the following documents:

1. A copy of the Department’s initial advice to the Minister responsible for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) program, informing the Minister that the HOSM with the ‘Indian Ocean’ clasp was awarded to commercial security contractors supporting General Electric’s humanitarian operation in Banda Aceh following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

2. Any document recording advice provided by Mr. Peter Rush, who held delegated duties to administer the HOSM program, regarding the commercial security contractors serving with the General Electric contingent in Banda Aceh.

3. Any document recording advice provided by Mr. John Reid regarding the involvement of commercial security contractors in the General Electric contingent, including any communications related to informing the Minister or correcting the public record.

Please note that this is the second FOI request I have been compelled to submit due to the Department’s failure to respond to my initial request made in July 2024. As such, I will not agree to any further requests for an extension and expect the Department to adhere to its statutory obligations by providing a response, including the requisite statement of reasons, within the prescribed timeframe

If any part of this request overlaps with previous FOI requests, I request the Department reconsider its position and conduct a fresh assessment in the public interest. Should you hold documents that contain redactions, I request that redactions be limited to the extent necessary, and that any exempt material be clearly identified with justification.

I am happy to assist if further clarification is required.

Yours faithfully,
Trav S