The Freedom of Information Act 1992 provides members of the public with the right to apply for access to the vast majority of the records held by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.

Some sensitive documents, or parts of documents, may be exempt from access. The Act's exemption provisions protect from disclosure material that, if released, would have a detrimental effect on the functioning of government or harm the interests of private individuals or commercial organisations.

You may also apply for access to personal information about you that is contained in Authority documents and you can correct that information if it is incorrect, inaccurate, out of date, or misleading.

Your right to apply is not affected by any reasons you have for wishing to obtain access, or the Authority's belief as to your reasons for applying.

Please visit the DBCA website for more infromation about Freedom of information within the department.

Submitting an FOI request

Should an applicant wish to proceed with a formal request, a valid FOI application needs to:

• be in writing give enough information so the documents requested can be identified
• give an Australian address to which notices can be sent and
• be lodged at our office with the $30.00 application fee (see access charges below).

Applications for access to information, or to amend personal information held by the Authority, can be made in writing to the FOI Coordinator.

The FOI Process

Applicants will be promptly acknowledged in writing and be informed of the decision within 45 days. The best method of access to documents is determined by negotiation between the Authority and the applicant. Documents may be inspected on our premises, posted, sent by facsimile or emailed. Should an applicant be dissatisfied with an access decision, he/she can request an internal review of that decision and subsequently, a review by the Information Commissioner if still not satisfied.

Access Charges

The Freedom of Information Regulations 1993 states that a valid FOI application must be accompanied by an application fee of $30.00, unless that request is entirely for personal information about the applicant. The Authority can help applicants determine if their enquiry is likely to attract the application fee if they contact us before submitting an application.

Fees may also apply for copying or transcribing information. These will be charged at cost depending on the type and volume of copying required. Should photocopies be necessary, these will be charged at 20 cents per A4 page. Concessions of 25% are available to applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship.

For more information regarding the Authority's requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 or the types of documents held by the Authority, refer to the Freedom of Information Statement below:

BGPA Information Statement561.53 KB

Office of the Information Commissioner

The Information Commissioner is an independent officer who reports directly to Parliament. The role of the Commissioner is to review decisions by agencies on access applications and applications to amend personal information, where an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision. The Commissioner is also required to provide assistance to members of the public and agencies on matters relevant to the Freedom of Information Act.

Read more about the Office of the Information Commissioner or access the FOI Act and Regulations via www.foi.wa.gov.au.