Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) gives the public the right to apply for access and/or amendment to documents held by the Town of Bassendean (subject to some limitations).

The types of documents and records that can be accessed are:

  • Non-personal records and documents; or
  • Personal (for applicants who only wish to obtain and/or correct personal information).

 The documents and records accessible under the FOI Act include (but not limited to) plans and drawings, maps, photographs, videos, CCTV footage, diagrams, and graphs stored in either digital or physical form (where applicable).

How to apply

If the information is not routinely available, the FOI Act provides individuals with the right to apply for documents, and amend personal information held by the Town that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.

All applications require the following:

  • an Australian postal address and phone number
  • include enough detail to enable the requested documents to be identified
  • be lodged online via the FOI form or via physical form at Customer Service

To apply for access and/or amendment to information, please submit an application form.

Request to access information form

Request to change information form

Timeframes

The FOI application will be processed as soon as possible usually within 45 calendar days but can be extended in certain circumstances. The applicant will be provided with a Notice of Decision which will entail the following:

  • The date which the decision was made
  • The name and the designation of the officer who made the decision
  • If the document is an exempt document the reasons for classifying the matter exempt; or the fact that access is given to an edited document
  • Information on the right to review and the procedures to be followed to exercise those rights. 

Fees and charges

A scale of fees and charges is set under the FOI Act Regulations.

Fee type

Charge

Application fee – non-personal information

$30

Application – personal information

No charge

Time taken to process the application

$30/hour

Supervised access to records for inspection

$30/hour

Transcribing information

$30/hour

Photocopying

20cents/page

Duplicating a tape, CD, DVD or computer information

Actual cost

Packaging and post

Actual cost

Advance deposit (may be required)

25%

Advance deposit for large applications (may be required)

75%

For financially disadvantaged applicants or those issued with prescribed pensioner concession cards, the charge payable is reduced by 25% or may be waived in certain circumstances.

Review of Decision

Under the FOI Act, applicants who disagree with a decision made on their FOI application may seek a review of that decision. The first step is to request an internal review by the Town. If the applicant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, they may then apply to the Information Commissioner for an external review.