How to Make an FOI Application

How do I make an FOI application?

It is best to discuss your application with the Agency concerned prior to lodging a request or you can contact Freedom of Information Consultancy Services SA who can act on your behalf. They can provide you with an application form, or you can download the Request for Access Form that includes details of the current application fee.

Each State and Capital Territory across Australia has both State and Federal Freedom of Information legislation, the guiding principles for acess to your information are basically the same.

If you prefer to write a letter to the Agency, your letter must:

Specify that you are making an application under the Freedom of Information Act, Include your name and address in Australia Specify the documents you would like to access and the matter they concern Specify whether the documents contain information about your personal affairs Request the form of access to the document (e.g. do you wish to inspect the document, or do you want a copy?) Include the scheduled application fee unless you have a student/pensioner/health concession card then the fee is waivered.  If you are seeking to make an amendment or notation to your records there is no FOI application fee.  FOI Consultancy Services SA can assist with the preparation of your FOI application (for a nominal fee).  The FOI application can be processed on your behalf and sent directly to the Agency that holds this information.  The turnaround time will be quicker as the FOI application will be specific to your request needs.  You will receive the FOI response in the mail and the FOI consultant can answer any queries you may have concerning the response you have received, or the FOI appeal process if you are dissatisfied with the Agency's FOI response.

Can I amend inaccurate documents about me?

Under FOI you may make an application to have documents concerning your personal affairs amended if they are incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out-of-date.

How long will it take to process my application?

Once a State/Federal Government Agency, Local Government Council or University has received your written application it has 30 days in (SA) which to process it.  Note: each State/Territory across Australia can vary between 30 to 45 days under the auspices of the Freedom of Information Act (State/Federal) to process your application.

Will I have to pay for an FOI Application?

An FOI Request for Access to documents must be accompanied by a scheduled fee. However, additional charges may be levied to process your request.

Please note that if you hold a concession card, or are otherwise financially disadvantaged, all fees will be waived. Proof will be required.

What happens if I am dissatisfied?

If a document is deemed to be exempt, a State/Federal Government Agency, Local Government Council or a University may decide to deny you access to all or part of that document. If access is refused you will be informed of the reasons why and advised of your appeal rights.

Who can help me with my FOI application?

FOI applications can be lodged directly with the State/Federal Government Agency, Local Government Council or University that holds the documents to which you require access.

Most Agencies, Councils and Universities have a designated Freedom of Information Officer. Phoning them before submitting your application can often help you clarify which documents to request. They can also assist you with making your application.

Freedom of Information Consultancy Services can assist in processing your FOI application - consultation fee is $80, which includes FOI application fee and the returning of the documentation, explanation of the FOI Clause exemptions and the due process for FOI Appeal if required by the applicant. If further consultation is required, it is $60 per hour thereafter.

A portion of FOI Consultancy Services earnings is contributed to The Cancer Council (SA).

Freedom of Information Consultancy Services Freedom of Information Australia-wide - FOI Australia-wide - FOI Consultancy Australia-wide - FOI Consultant Australia-wide - Information Release Australia-wide - Freedom of Information South Australia - FOI South Australia - FOI Consultancy South Australia - FOI Consultant South Australia - Information Release South Australia - Freedom of Information Victoria - FOI Victoria - FOI Consultancy Victoria - FOI Consultant Victoria - Information Release Victoria - Freedom of Information NSW - FOI NSW - FOI Consultancy NSW - FOI Consultant NSW - Information Release NSW - Freedom of Information Queensland - FOI Queensland - FOI Consultancy Queensland - FOI Consultant Queensland - Information Release Queensland Ph: 08 8222504 or 0432376704