Freedom of Information Requests

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) gives people the right to access documents held by all State and local government agencies and certain statutory corporations. Western Power's Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer coordinates the receipt and processing of all FOI applications relating to Western Power.

• Purpose of the Act
• What is a document?
• Receipt of FOI applications
• Processing of applications
• Fees and charges
• Notice of decision
• Rights of review
• Documents held by the agency
• FOI applications, payments, correspondence and general enquiries

Purpose of the Act

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) was introduced in November 1993, to create a general right of access to documents held by State and local government agencies and certain statutory corporations.

As a statutory corporation Western Power aims to make its documents available promptly in accordance with the FOI Act.

What is a document?

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

Receipt of FOI applications

FOI applications, payments, correspondence and general enquiries may be directed to Western Power's FOI Officer.

Processing of applications

The FOI Officer is the initial contact point for all FOI-related matters.

All FOI applications must:

• be in writing
• give specific information so that the documents requested can be identified
• give an Australian address to which notices can be sent
• be lodged at the agency with the relevant application fee payable

Applications will be acknowledged in writing and you will be notified of the decision within 45 days (or other time permitted under the FOI Act).

Fees and charges

The rate of fees and charges are set under the FOI Act Regulations. Apart from the application fee for non-personal information, all charges are discretionary. More information

Notice of decision

You will be provided with a notice of decision within 45 days which will include:

• the date  the decision was made
• the name and designation of the officer who made the decision
• if access is refused, the reasons why
• details of the rights of review and the procedures to follow to exercise those rights

Rights of review

If an applicant is dissatisfied with Western Power’s decision, under the FOI Act they have the right to have the decision reviewed. In accordance with section 40 of the FOI Act, internal review applications should be forwarded in writing to Western Power within 30 calendar days of our notice of the decision.

Following an internal review, if any matter remains in dispute, applicants are advised of their right to request the Information Commissioner to conduct an 'external review' of the matter. In certain instances, questions of law that arise in the course of dealing with a complaint may be referred to the Supreme Court. No fees or charges apply to internal or external reviews.

Documents held by the agency

Western Power’s records relate to a variety of functions and activities such as:

• transmission and distribution documentation
• reform policy
• environmental policy
• Minister's support
• customer network information