FOI Guide
The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) provides a general right of access to documents of government agencies by the public. It also ensures that personal information held by government entities is accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading.
A person’s right of access is not affected by any reasons the person gives for wishing to obtain access, or the agency’s belief as to what the reasons are for wishing to obtain access.
Documents, or parts of documents of a sensitive nature may be exempt from access. The Freedom of Information Act makes provision for the exemption of documents that, if released, would affect the functioning of government, disclose confidential information provided in confidence to the Government, or reveal personal information.
How to apply for access to information
Applications for access to information must be in writing, must provide enough information to enable the identification of requested documents, and give an address in Australia to which notices can be sent.
Our Information Statement provides details of the kinds of documents held by Horizon Power, together with arrangements for access, where applications can be lodged, and the review process.
Where to apply for access to information
All applications for information, or to amend personal information held by Horizon Power is to be submitted to the FOI Coordinator.
FOI Coordinator
Horizon Power
PO Box 1066
Bentley DC WA 6983
Tel: (08) 6310 1000
Fax: (08) 9310 1010
Fees and charges
There is no fee or charges attached to an application or request for access to personal information.
The application fee for access to non-personal information is $30.00, which is to be paid prior to acceptance of the application.
Other charges may apply in relation to time taken by staff in dealing with an application and photocopying of documents, as provided for in the FOI Regulations.
The FOI process
Government agencies have a period of 45 days in which to process an application and decide whether access to the requested documents is permitted.
Once Horizon Power has considered the application we will send you a notice of decision advising whether access to the documents has been granted and if not, the reasons for not allowing access.
Should you be dissatisfied with the notice of decision you have 30 days in which to make an application for review. From receipt of application of review Horizon Power has 15 days to conduct an internal review and provide a notice of decision.
Should you be dissatisfied with the results of the internal review you have 60 days in which to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner who will then decide whether to conduct an external review.
The results of an internal or external review may confirm the agency’s decision, vary the decision, or completely set aside the decision and provide a substitute decision.
Role of the Office of the Information Commissioner
The Information Commissioner is an independent officer responsible for dealing with complaints made about decisions made by agencies in relation to access applications and applications to amend personal information.
The Information Commissioner also provides assistance to members of the public and agencies on matters relevant to the FOI Act.
Contact details for the Information Commissioner are:
Level 12 St Martin’s Tower
44 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000Postal address:
PO Box Z5386
St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6831Tel: (08) 9220 7888
Fax: (08) 9325 2152
Email: info@foi.wa.gov.au
- Information Statement
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