FAQ

  • Can I get access to any information that I seek under FOI?

    The following records come within the scope of the FOI Act:

    • all records relating to personal information held by the Department irrespective of when they were created;
    • all other records created from the commencement of the FOI Act (21 April 1998); 
    • any records necessary to the understanding of a current record even if created prior to 21 April 1998; 
    • personnel records of serving staff created from 21st April, 1995 and those created prior to that date where being used or proposed to be used in a way which adversely affects or may affect the person involved. 

    However, it is important to note that access to records is not always granted. In order to allow Government business to be properly conducted, it will sometimes be necessary to exempt from release certain types of information. Among the key exemptions are records relating to:

    • Government meetings,
    • Law enforcement and security,
    • Confidential and commercially sensitive information, personal information (other than information relating to the person making the request).