The Freedom of Information (FOI) Amendment 1993 Act took effect in Local Government on 1 January 1994. In essence, FOI gives members of the public a legal right of access to documents in the possession of the Council and its Officers, which were created or received after 1 January 1989. The protection of the public interest and private and business affairs may cause some documents to be exempted from access.
The FOI Act has four basic principles:
- The public has a legal right of access to information.
- Local governments are required to publish information concerning the documents they hold.
- People may request that inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading information in their personal records be amended.
- People may appeal against a decision not to give access to the information or not to amend a personal record.
Processing Requests
Requests for access to information under the FOI Act must be in writing (see request form below) and must provide sufficient information to enable the document(s) to be located. Requests must also be accompanied by an application fee of $22.70.
FOI Request forms are available from the Front Desk, Civic Centre, 45 Princes Hwy, Werribee or can be viewed and printed by following the link below.
Applicants should also indicate the form in which access is required:
a) view original document;
b) view copies;
c) receive a copy.
All applications for access under the FOI Act are to be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer,
Wyndham City Council,
PO Box 197,
WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Timeframe
On receipt of a request, a decision must be made within 45 days. Where a decision is made to refuse or defer access, the applicant will be notified in writing of the reasons for the refusal and the procedures available to appeal the decision.
Costs
An application form must be completed and accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $22.70. Further charges may be incurred, which can include the cost of accessing the information (ie retrieval from storage) and photocopying.
Further information
For all enquiries to access information available to the public, further information on the FOI Act and procedures please contact the FOI Officer on 9742 0743.