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Freedom of information

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

Objects and intent of the legislation

The objects and intent of the Freedom of Information Act 1992, which became operational on 1 November 1993, are to:

  1. enable the public to participate more effectively in governing the State; and
  2. make the persons and bodies that are responsible for State and local government more accountable to the public.

The objects of the Act are to be achieved by:

  1. creating a general right of access to State and local government documents;
  2. providing means to ensure that personal information held by State and local governments is accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading; and
  3. requiring the certain documents concerning State and local government operations be made available to the public.

Note: Where possible, the appropriate division of Commerce will grant access to documents outside the formal freedom of information process.  On those occasions no application fee or charges will apply. 

How to make a Freedom Of Information application

The application has to:

  1. be in writing;
  2. give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified;
  3. give an address in Australia to which notices under this Act can be sent;
  4. give any other information or details required under the regulations; and
  5. be lodged at an office of the agency with any application fee payable under the regulations.

Step 1 - print or download a copy of the FOI application form

Step 2 - complete the form

Step 3 - send or deliver it to a divisional or regional office

Related Information

Freedom of Information Statement

Department of Commerce Information Statement.

Under Part 5 of the Freedom of Information Act 1992, the agency is required to maintain and publish an Information Statement. In accordance with Sections 96 and 97, the statement will be updated at intervals of not more than 12 months.

Additional information (Office of the Information Commissioner)