The Department of Home Affairs has refused an FoI request for details of drone incidents around the prison.
The request sought the number of drone sightings or seizures near the prison between 2020 and 2025, a yearly breakdown of actions taken, and any details of items the drones were carrying.
In a refusal letter, the DHA stated the information is exempt and argued disclosure would be likely to “prejudice the maintenance of security and good order in institutions” under the Custody Act 1995.
While acknowledging a public interest in “transparency and accountability,” the DHA concluded the factors favouring withholding the data were stronger.
It warned the request “could be interpreted as a test of the prisons security and intelligence systems” and that revealing operational details could compromise safety.
The requester has the right to an internal review and a subsequent appeal to the Information Commissioner.