Overview
The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) gives members of the public a right to apply for access to government documents, subject to some limitations. This includes documents held by most State government agencies (such as government departments; public hospitals; public universities and State government authorities), Ministers and local government.
Agencies are required to assist the public to obtain access to documents at the lowest reasonable cost, and to ensure that personal information held is accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading. Your right to apply is not affected by any reasons you have for wishing to obtain access, or the agency's belief as to what your reasons are for applying.
The types of documents you can request access to include paper files, maps, plans, photographs, recordings, films, video tapes and electronically stored information.
Applying for documents under the FOI Act
The Office of the Information Commissioner provides useful guidance on accessing government documents.
Tourism WA makes its publications available via the Tourism WA website.
Information about the types of documents held by Tourism WA is detailed in the Tourism WA Information Statement. Some documents are protected from disclosure because their release would have an adverse effect on the private and business interests of individuals, or would hinder the proper functioning of government.
A valid application must:
- be in writing;
- give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified;
- give an address in Australia to which notices can be sent;
- be lodged at the agency with the appropriate application fee.
Under the FOI Act, Tourism WA must collect a fee of $30 for applications requesting non-personal documentation before an applicant’s request for access can be considered.
Applications and enquiries under the Act should be addressed to:
Contact: FOI Coordinator
Telephone: 08 9262 1700
Email: foi@westernaustralia.com
Address: Level 10, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Postal Address: GPO X2261, Perth WA 6847
Amending personal information
If you believe that "personal information" held by Tourism WA about you is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or misleading, you may apply to have the information amended.
There are no fees or charges for amending personal information.
Office of the Information Commissioner
The Information Commissioner is an independent officer who reports directly to Parliament. The main function of the Office of the Information Commission is to deal with complaints about decisions made by agencies in respect of access applications and applications for the amendment of personal information.
For more information, please visit the Information Commissioner's website.