Access to information
Freedom of Information exists to allow public access to documents, subject to some limitations. In Western Australia, the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) applies to local government agencies, including the City of Swan. Documents available under the FOI Act include paper and digital records (including emails and correspondence), maps, plans and drawings, photo and video recordings, or information stored in a computerised form.
The FOI Act does not apply to information that is:
- Available via other means, including under differing legislation
- Available for purchase
- Publicly available
- Available for inspection (whether for a fee or charge or not)
- A State archive
- Publicly available library material held by agencies for reference purposes, or
- Made or acquired by an art gallery, museum or library and preserved for public reference or exhibition purposes.
An application for access to documents must be in writing and include an Australian address. When completing the application form please give as much information as possible. Information such as property address, animal name, date range, or reference numbers enables the City to complete a preliminary search prior to official lodgement of your application.
It can also be helpful if you let us know why you are seeking access to documents. This is not mandatory, but it can help us to narrow your application to only include relevant documents.
We prefer you submit your request online, however we also provide a form in printable format.
An application for personal information, or to amend your personal information, is free of charge. An application for non-personal information attracts a $30 lodgement fee and may attract further fees for processing your application. If processing fees are expected to be more than $25, the FOI Specialist will contact you to confirm that you want to continue with your application. A deposit may be required at this stage.
All fees and charges are in accordance with the FOI Act.
The City of Swan will deal with your application as soon as possible; however the FOI Act allows for a period of 45 calendar days.
If the City determines that your application will take longer, we will consult with you and negotiate an extension of time.
Your documents will be sent to you via email or an electronic link will be sent to you so you can download documents.
If you choose to receive your documents in hard copy, charges will apply. In some instances, we cannot give you a copy of the document (usually due to Copyright issues) and will ask you to visit us to inspect it.
Internal review: Must be made within 30 days of our decision and we must respond within 15 days. An internal review must be in writing, and can be lodged via email at FOI@swan.wa.gov.au, or in writing to PO Box 196 MIDLAND DC WA 6936
External review: May be lodged with the Office of the Information Commissioner within 60 days.
Submit an FOI application online
Printable FOI application Form
If you have any questions prior to submitting your request please contact our Freedom of Information Officer on (08) 9267 9267.
