What you can request
You can request access to any documents held by the department that are not otherwise publically available.
The term 'document' is not limited to paper documents and can include emails, maps, drawings, films and photographs.
Your request should be specific in nature, and include date ranges or refer to a specific incident or person's name to assist us in identifying relevant documents.
If the information is already available for purchase or free distribution, such as in reference or library collections, publications or websites or are documents that can be inspected in the State Records Office's (WA) archive collection, the Freedom of Information Coordinator will direct you to those resources.
Information statement
If you need guidance on what documents to request, our department publishes an annual information statement (which can be downloaded from the Documents section on this page) about our services and the kinds of documents we hold and where to freely obtain other information we publish.
How to make a request
You can request access to documents by visiting the Submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) access application page on the WA.gov.au website and completing the online form.
When completing the application form you will need to provide as much information as possible describing the documents you wish to access.
Requests concerning your personal information must be accompanied by photographic identification, such as a copy of your driver's licence or passport.
For any queries regarding your FOI request please contact:
FOI Coordinator
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Locked Bag 4
Bentley Delivery Centre 6151
Phone: 6552 2008
or email:
FOI Coordinator
FOI@dpird.wa.gov.au
Fees and charges
Application fees
Type of application | Fee |
---|---|
Personal infomation | Free of charge |
Non-personal information | $30 |
Personal information
There is no charge for requesting access to documents containing your personal information.
Non-personal information
Documents created by the department in the course of our functions and services are classified as non-personal information, that is, information that is not personal to you. If your application is for non-personal information there is a fixed $30 fee, which is required at the time of lodging your request. An application without the fee will be considered invalid and will not be processed until the payment is received.
Additional charges
In some circumstances, a fee may be charged to cover the costs of processing your application. Charges may be sought for consulting with third parties, compiling and preparing documents, making a decision about access, etc. These charges are as follows:
Type of charge | Cost |
---|---|
| $30 per hour |
| $30 per hour |
| $30 per hour |
| $0.20 per copy |
| $30 per hour |
What can you expect from our department
How long will it take?
Our department will confirm that we have received your application within five (5) days.
Once the department receives a valid application, we will respond to the application as quickly as practicable but take no longer than 45 days.
However, if your application covers a large number of documents or requires consultation with a large number of third parties, an extension of the time limit may be necessary. In such circumstances the FOI Coordinator will contact you to discuss an extension.
Notice of decision
Once our department has processed your application, we will issue you with a 'Notice of decision'. The Notice will detail the department's decision in relation to your application and, if access has been refused in part or full, our reasons why this has occurred. Access may be refused for a number of reasons, including documents that contain business information, confidential information or any other matters set out in Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
Your rights of review
If you are dissatisfied with a decision our department has made, you can lodge an application for an internal review of that decision. An application for an internal review should be lodged in writing to the department within 30 days after you receive the Notice of decision. Our department has 15 days, from date of receipt, to complete the internal review.
If you are dissatisfied with the internal review decision you can lodge an application for an external review with the Office of the Information Commissioner. This application must be lodged within 60 days of receiving the internal review Notice of decision.
Additional information
If you require more information you can contact the FOI Coordinator on +61(08) 6552 2008 or by email at FOI@dpird.wa.gov.au.
For further information about the Freedom of Information Act 1992 visit the Office of the Information Commissioner (WA) website.