To access documents under FOI, the application has to:
- Be in writing
- Include specific details to identify the requested documents. General requests, such as ‘all documents’ for an unspecified period of time can involve unnecessary resources, be time consuming and costly to the applicant
- Have an Australian address and telephone number.
Fees
There are no fees if the application is for personal information relating to the applicant. A fee of $30 is required for other applications and there may be additional charges for dealing with the request if the search for documents is extensive and ancillary costs need to be applied.
The fees and charges schedule can be viewed here.
Decision
The FOI Act provides a 45-day time-frame from the date an application is received, to the City handing down its notice of decision.
Once the City receives a valid application, a search will be conducted to identify the requested documents.
The documents will be reviewed against the exemptions set out under Schedule 1 of the FOI Act. If and where required, the City will consult with third parties.
The notice of decision will detail:
- The process undertaken
- The documents identified as falling within the scope of the application
- Any information that is withheld (due to exemptions)
- The options available to the applicant should the applicant be dissatisfied with the decision.
Should you have any queries about the process or the information statement, please contact the Freedom of Information officer by phoning our Contact Centre.
For more information, please visit theOffice of the Information Commissioner website.