Freedom of Information

What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (The FOI Act) is an Act to provide for public access to documents, and to enable the public to ensure that personal information in documents held by the City is accurate.

The City endeavours to ensure the public have a general right of access to documents and to also ensure that information held about them is accurate.

There are certain circumstances however such as personal information, deliberative processes, public safety and property security to name a few, where a general right to access information may not be appropriate.

If you believe we hold personal information about you that is inaccurate or out of date, then simply write to us detailing where you have seen this information together with the correction/s required (Charges do not apply).

The FOI Process

Upon receipt of a written Application together with payment of the prescribed $30 application fee the City's Freedom of Information Coordinator will begin to identify the documents requested. These documents will first be reviewed to determine if any exemptions* apply and then the requested documents will be provided within the shortest possible time (within 45 days) at the lowest reasonable cost.

* Schedule 1 of the FOI Act

How do you apply?

Freedom of Information applications must be in writing and include an Australian address to where notices can be sent. Ideally contact details like your full name, telephone number and email address are very beneficial (click here for an Application form (PDF 32.0 KB)).

You also need to provide enough information to identify the requested documents. The more specific an application is, the quicker is the process. Requests of a general nature, like all documents about a subject for an unspecified period of time, can be time consuming and costly.

You may wish to contact the Freedom of Information Coordinator when completing your Application for assistance in reducing the scope of your request as this may also prevent the likelihood of the City refusing to deal with your application due to its size.

Your completed Application form together with the prescribed $30 fee can be delivered in person to 7 Orchard Avenue Armadale WA or posted (payment by Cheque) to the Freedom of Information Coordinator C/- City of Armadale, Locked Bag No 2 Armadale WA 6992 clearly marked Freedom of Information application.

Reason for the Information

Your right to make an application is not affected by any reason you require the documents or our belief as to why. However such information can often assist the Freedom of Information Coordinator to process your application more quickly.

What type of Information can you apply for?

The FOI Act makes it possible for you to apply for any "record of information" held by the City.

What happens once your application has been processed?

Once all information/records have been assessed, you will be provided with a "Final Notice of Decision". This notice will detail the process undertaken with your application, the documents identified as falling within the scope of your application, what (if any) information is to be withheld (due to exemptions) and the options you have available should you be dissatisfied with the decision. Copies of the released documents may also be included with the decision or will be provided shortly thereafter.

Fees and Charges

Fees (GST Exempt)
Application fee for non personal information (Mandatory)	$30.00
Application fee for personal information	No fee
Charges (GST Applicable)
Charge for staff dealing with application and photocopying	$30.00/hr
Supervised access to records for inspection only	$30.00/hr
Transcribing information from tape, film or computer	$30.00/hr
Photocopying	$0.20/page
Duplicating a tape, CD, DVD or computer information	Actual cost
Delivery, packing and postage	Actual cost
Deposits
An advance deposit may be required	25%
An additional advance deposit may be required for large applications	75%

NOTE: There is a 25% cost reduction of charges for financially disadvantaged applicants or those in receipt of pension or health benefits (Proof may be required).

Freedom of Information Statement

Section 96(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 requires each government agency, including local governments, to prepare and publish an Information Statement annually. This Information Statement sets out:

The Agency's Mission Statement;
Details of legislation administered;
Details of the agency structure;
Details of decision making functions;
Opportunities for public participation in the formulation of policy and performance of agency functions;
Documents held by the agency;
The operation of FOI in the agency.

Copies of this Information Statement are available electronically (see link below) or in hardcopy from the City of Armadale Administration Centre 7 Orchard Avenue Armadale Western Australia.

Relevant Documents

Further Information

Should you have any questions about the Freedom of Information process or the Information Statement, please contact the Freedom of Information Coordinator on (08) 9399 0111 between the hours of 8:15am and 4:45pm or alternatively by email at info@armadale.wa.gov.au

Additional information can also be obtained from the Office of the Information Commissioner's website www.foi.wa.gov.au or by phone on (618) 9220 7888 (Country callers WA only 1800 621 244).

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