Freedom of Information - What You Need to Know
What is Freedom of Information?
The Freedom of Information Act 1992, gives you a right to apply for access to documents held by Ministers, State Government Departments, Local Authorities and Statutory Authorities.This right is not affected by any reasons you have for wishing to obtain access or our belief as to what those reasons are.
Lodging a Request
You may apply for access to documents held within Fremantle Hospital and Health Service, in writing, in person, by e-mail, or you can telephone to request an application form be sent to you.
As per the Freedom of Information Act, the access application has to -
- Be in writing
- Give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified
- Give an address in Australia to which notices under this Act can be sent
- Give any other information or details required under the regulations; and
- Be lodged at an office of the agency with any application fee payable under the regulations
For personal applications, we also require a copy of two forms of your proof of identification eg Drivers Licence, Medicare Card etc (one with a current signature).
Requesting Information on Behalf of Another Person
If you are requesting information on behalf on another person, you will need to provide written authorisation from that person permitting you to access the information.If you are applying for information of a deceased person, you must provide identification which clearly shows that you are the closest relative to that person e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, in addition to providing personal identification. If you are not the closest relative, you must provide written authorisation from the closest relative permitting you to access the information.
Exemptions
Some documents including protection of essential public interest and the personal or commercial or business affairs of others may not be released.Access may only be provided to part of a document if it contains information considered to be exempt.
Notice of Decision
You will be given written reasons if you are only given partial access to documents or refused access. You will be advised of your rights of review of the decision that has been made on your application.Cost
There are no fees or charges if the application is for your own personal information. An application fee of $30.00 is required for non-personal applications, and there may be charges for dealing with the request eg photocopying costs, staff time for dealing with an application etcWhat Happens when Access is Granted?
The copies of the documents will be available for collection from the Freedom of Information Office, or the copies of the documents will be sent to you by mail. If you are inspecting original documentation, this will be arranged by appointment, in the Freedom of Information Office.You will be required to provide two forms of your proof of identification before access is provided.
How to Apply to Amend Your Personal Information
Should you believe that your personal information held by Fremantle Hospital and Health Service is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading, you may apply to have that information amended.You may also apply to have a notation written by you to be placed on your record.
Your request must be in writing, and you must give as much information as you can to show how or why the records need to be amended.
You will be given written reasons if your amendment is refused. You will be advised of your rights of review of the decision that has been made on your application.
Further Information
For any questions you may have regarding applying for access to documents held by Fremantle Hospital and Health Service, or the Freedom of Information Act 1992, please contact the Freedom of Information Coordinator on telephone number+61 8 9431 2789
Freedom of Information, Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia
Page last updated / reviewed:
18 November, 2009
Page Owner: Library & Web Services