Defence (RAAF) Unusual Aerial Sightings

This document is an administrative file from the National Archives of Australia, specifically a Statement of Reasons for a decision made under the Archives Act 1983 regarding access to a file titled 'Defence (RAAF) Unusual Aerial Sightings' (Series A9755, Control Symbol 19). The file contains various reports and correspondence from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 82 Wing at RAAF Base Amberley, dating primarily from 1988 and 1989. The records document the RAAF's process for handling public reports of unusual aerial sightings. The RAAF policy, as stated in multiple letters to members of the public, was to investigate only those sightings that suggested a defence or security implication. Sightings deemed to have no such implication were typically attributed to atmospheric conditions, astronomical phenomena, or aircraft activity, and the reporters were directed to civilian research organizations like UFO Research Queensland. The file also includes internal records of conversations with individuals who reported sightings, some of whom were identified by RAAF personnel as having mental health issues or being 'harmless residents' with a propensity for reporting UFOs. The administrative decision made in 2015 by Grant Battersby, an access examiner, determined that the file should be open to the public with specific exceptions under section 33(1)(g) of the Archives Act, which protects the personal affairs of individuals. Several folios were partially or wholly exempted to prevent the unreasonable disclosure of sensitive personal information.