Applications under the Freedom of Information Act 1992
The Freedom of Information Act 1992 gives every person the right to seek access to documents held by state and local Government agencies. Documents may comprise written material, diaries, emails, plans, drawings, photographs, electronic images, film or any information stored in electronic format.
It is the aim of the Department of Water to make information available promptly and at the least possible cost. Therefore, whenever possible, documents will be provided outside the FOI process. The Department is however, mindful of its obligations including but not limited to, issues of confidentiality and the rights of third parties in relation to personal and business/commercial information.
FOI lodgement
An FOI request for access to documents must be in writing and give sufficient information to enable the requested documents to be found, it must also be accompanied by a $30 application fee. Requests should be for known specific documents rather than being too broad. Other fees and charges may also be incurred, however DoW will provide an estimate of costs if other charges are likely to apply.
The FOI application form is available. It provides relevant information and contact details for lodgement. Once received by the Department of Water, FOI applications will be acknowledged in writing and the applicant will be notified of a decision within the 45 day Statutory time frame, unless an agreement is made to process an individual request outside of this time line.
Information statement
For more information about access to various documents held by this department, please refer to the Department of Water's Information Statement 2008, available here.
General FOI information is also available by accessing the Office of Information Commissioner's website using the following link: www.foi.wa.gov.au