Public access to information

Freedom of information

The Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the FOI Act) provides you with the right to apply for access to documents held by state public sector agencies which includes: government departments; local authorities; statutory authorities and ministers.Agencies are required to assist the public obtain access to documents at the lowest reasonable cost, and to ensure that personal information held is accurate, complete, up-to-date and not misleading. Your right to apply is not affected by any reasons you have for wishing to obtain access, or the agency's belief as to what your reasons are for applying.

The kinds of documents to which you may request access includes paper files, computer records, maps, plans, photographs, tape recordings, films, video tapes and electronically stored information.

Click here to download a copy of the freedom of information 2010-11 statement.

FOI applications

Applications must:

be in writing
give enough information so that the documents requested can be identified
give an Australian address to which notices can be sent (preferably include a contact telephone number)
to be lodged with the agency and
be accompanied by the application fee.

Fees and charges

Fees do apply for FOI requests, with a scale of fees and charges set under the FOI Act Regulations.

Visit the Office of the Information Commissioner of Western Australia website for more information.

Public interest disclosure

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003, any person can make disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, or may be going to act, which is of public interest.

This might involve:

improper conduct
an offence under state law (including corruption)
administration matters affecting you
irregular or unauthorised use of public resources
substantial unathorised us of, or substantial mismanagement of, public resources and
conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury to public health, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.

Visit the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commission website for more information or contact our director of corporate services on 08 9432 9711.