Freedom of Information - Accessing documents through FOI

What is Freedom of Information ?

The Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992 gives people a right to apply for access to documents held by Ministers, State Government Departments, Local Authorities and Statutory Authorities. The bodies are called Agencies.

Lodging Requests

The application must be in writing and give enough details to enable the requested documents to be identified. An address in Australia and where possible a contact telephone number should be provided.

If you require access to the personal information of another person, you will need to provide a consent form / letter signed by that person with your application.

Where the information relates to a deceased person, access will be granted to the person’s closest relative who is 18 years or older. Proof of this relationship is required.

The Hospital has a nominated Freedom Of Information Coordinator who will assist in lodging your application, which can be an application form obtained from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, or set out in a suitable letter.

What is a Document?

Includes any record or part of a record, and any copy or reproduction. It therefore covers files, computer printouts, maps, plans, photographs, tape recordings, films, video tapes or electronically stored information.

Exemptions

Some documents including protection of essential public interest and the personal or business affairs of others may not be released. Sometimes access to only part of a document will be provided if it contains information considered to be exempt.

Notice of Decision

Your request will be dealt with as soon as possible, and, in any case, within 45 days of receipt.

The Hospital will give you written reasons if you are refused access or only given partial access. Your rights of review will be advised in the Notice of Decision.

Further details are contained in Internal and External Review.

Cost

There is no application fee for your own personal information. However for requests covering other than personal information there is a an application fee of $30 and charges for dealing with the application. The FOI Coordinator will consult with you to keep charges to a minimum. If you are financially disadvantaged tell the Coordinator, as a 25% reduction in charges may be possible.

What Happens When Access is Granted?

The FOI Coordinator will make arrangements for you to see the documents, and if you wish, give you a copy.

If for some reason copies of documents cannot be made and sent to you, the Coordinator will discuss with you how, when and where you can view the material.

How to Apply to Amend Your Personal Information

You can apply to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for correction or amendment of any documents about your personal information.

The application must be in writing, and you must give as much information as you can to show how or why the Hospital records are inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. If the hospital decides to amend the information it will either alter the record, strike out information or insert a note in relation to the contents. The FOI Coordinator will inform you of the decision, and reasons, together with your right to appeal if you are not satisfied.

For Further Information

The Freedom Of Information Coordinator can be contacted
by telephone: 61 8 93462427

or by writing to:

Freedom Of Information Coordinator
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Hospital Avenue
Nedlands, Western Australia 6009

Guidelines for using FOI in Western Australia