The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) gives members of the public the right to access our documents, subject to some limitations. It also lets people seek changes to their personal information if they feel it is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading.
We aim to provide information through the FOI process as quickly and cost effectively as possible and wherever possible we attempt to provide documents outside of the FOI process.
Before submitting a freedom of information request, you are encouraged to contact us to discuss whether we hold the relevant documents.
It may be appropriate to direct your request to another agency. A list of all Western Australian agencies can be found here.
Our functions
Show moreThe Commission is established under the Public Sector Management Act 1994. Our remit and responsibilities include shaping, building and regulating the public sector so it can tackle the public policy challenges of both today and tomorrow.
Our role is described in the Public Sector Management Act 1994 as strengthening the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the public sector to meet existing and emerging needs and delivering high quality services. We also have defined functions under:
Further, the statutory role of Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment resides in the Commission and administers Part IX of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
Our annual report outlines our main service areas and their functions. Documents we create or receive in relation to our responsibilities under the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 are exempt from the FOI Act.
Public participation in the formulation of our policy and the performance of our functions
Show moreOur statutory functions, as stated in section 21A of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, are directed at the administration, efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector. The avenues for public participation in the formulation of our policies and the performance of our functions are therefore limited, as we have specific functions that are required to be undertaken independently.
Documents we hold
Show moreOur records include:
- correspondence we receive
- a register of lobbyists and their clients
- information and documents related to:
- legislative administration, policy and practice
- government projects we manage
- leadership services and strategies
- diversity and inclusion initiatives, and workforce planning
- integrity promotion, prevention and education and evaluation.
You can access many of our documents free of charge on WA.gov.au.
If you would like access to a specific document which is not published online, please telephone our FOI Coordinator on (08) 6552 8550 or email them with your request, before lodging an FOI application.
Internal manuals
Show moreInformation related to the performance of our functions including processes and procedural guides are published on WA.gov.au.
If you would like access to a specific document which is not published online, please telephone our FOI Coordinator on (08) 6552 8550 or email them with your request.
Requesting access to documents
Show moreTo request access to documents under the FOI Act, your application must:
- be in writing and say the request is made under the FOI Act
- give enough information so that requested documents can be identified
- not form part of a letter or email about another subject
- give an Australian address we can send notices to
- provide a telephone number or email address so we can contact you
- be lodged with an application fee, if required.
You can create your own application or use our Freedom of Information Application Form. Applications will be acknowledged in writing.
Amendment of personal information
Show moreYou have the right to apply for an amendment of any document that contains personal information about you.
All applications must be in writing and need to clearly demonstrate how or why the documents are inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. If we decide to amend the personal information, this will usually be done by altering the documents or adding a note.
Fees and charges
Show moreUnder the FOI Act, no application fee or charges apply if you are seeking personal information that is just about you.
An application fee for non-personal information applies and can be made by cash, cheque or through our secure online account payment system BPOINT. All other charges are discretionary and are as set out in Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Regulations 1993.
Charges are set out below:
APPLICATION FEES | |
---|---|
Application fee for personal information | No fee |
Application fee for non-personal information | $30 |
PROCESSING OF NON-PERSONAL APPLICATIONS (discretionary charges) | |
Charge for time taken dealing with the application | $30 per hour |
Charge for access time supervised by staff | $300 per hour |
Charge for photocopying | $30 per hour for staff time, plus 20c per copy |
Charge for photocopying | $30 per hour for staff time, plus 20c per copy |
Charge for time in transcribing information from a tape, film or computer | $30 per hour |
Charge for duplicating a tape, film or computer information | Actual cost |
Charge for delivery, packaging and post | Actual cost |
Notice of decision
Show moreWe will notify you of our decision as soon as possible and in any case, within 45 calendar days of receipt of the application.
It will include:
- the name and title of the officer who made the decision and the date it was made
- reasons for deleting any matter or refusing access to any matter
- your rights of review and procedures to be followed.
Rights of review
Show moreYou may appeal a decision made by us for access or amendment to documents via an internal and external review process. Please note that no fees or charges apply.
Internal review applications should be made in writing to us within 30 calendar days after the date of the written notice of decision.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of our internal review, you may apply to the Information Commissioner for an external review. An application for external review needs to be lodged by the applicant within 60 days of receiving written notice of the decision. In certain instances, questions of law that arise may be referred to the Supreme Court.