Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) provides a statutory right to the public to access documents held by Western Health, unless an exception or exemption applies.
A document can include an electronic record, a photograph, a CD or visual recording.
How to apply
A valid request under the FOI Act must include the following:
1. an application in writing;
2. payment of the application fee of $29.60; and
3. be sufficiently clear to identify the documents sought.
You can download a copy of FOI Application Form 2019
Western Health has a duty to assist applicants to make a compliant request and will consult with an Applicant before refusing a non-compliant request.
The application fee may be waived or reduced on request by an Applicant, for example, on the basis of financial hardship. The FOI Team may request evidence of hardship to be provided, such as a health care card.
Additional charges apply which relate to search and copy fees, which can also be waived or reduced in relevant circumstances.
A decision regarding access to documents held by Western Health under the FOI Act (Decision) should be made no later than 30 days following receipt of a valid request.
Your review rights
Applicants have a right to challenge a Decision of an FOI Officer and a right of complaint to the FOI Commissioner within 28 days of the day an Applicant receives the Decision.
Applicants also have a right to apply to the Health Services Commissioner for conciliation where the documents requested contains information relating to the Applicant.
More information can be found at:
http://foicommissioner.vic.gov.au/
Contact
Please telephone us with your queries from Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 5.00pm on 03 8345 6352 or email us [email protected]
