The university rejected the request, saying correspondence needed to be withheld “to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions”.
“The nature of the information withheld under this ground is views regarding the review of Professor Brady’s article,” said the university, in an email to
Stuff.
It said this information was expressed in emails, which, were they to be released, could lead to staff refraining from using email in future.
Joe Johnson/Stuff
An investigation into a review of China expert Anne-Marie Brady’s work is now the subject of an Ombudsman investigation.