OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER

MISSION

Public understanding and confidence in the decision making process of government agencies through access to relevant information.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER

The Western Australian Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the Act) gives people a right of access to documents held by Ministers, State Government departments, local authorities and statutory authorities. These bodies are called agencies in the Act.

The position of Information Commissioner was established under the Act. The Information Commissioner is an independent officer who is directly accountable to Parliament for performing the functions and exercising the powers prescribed by the Act.

The main function of the Information Commissioner is to deal with complaints about the decisions of agencies in respect of Freedom of Information applications. Another function is to ensure that both agencies and the public are aware of their respective responsibilities and rights under the Act.

OUR SERVICES

The Office of the Information Commissioner is committed to providing a quality service which is delivered in a reliable and responsible manner by all employees. Performance standards have been developed in order to ensure that all staff undertake their duties in ways that are a credit to the professional and independent status of the office and to ensure that participants are provided with timely, responsive and appropriate levels of service.

The range of functions required of the Information Commissioner means that a variety of services are provided.

Services for all Participants

the conduct of reviews (including conciliation as a preferred method of dispute resolution)

general advice about the Act and procedures associated with FOI applications

access to published decisions made by the Information Commissioner

Services for the Public

distribution of awareness raising and educational material

talks and information sessions for community groups

telephone advisory service

a free call telephone line for country callers

Services for Agencies

telephone advisory service

regular FOI training sessions

specifically tailored meetings or advisory sessions

manuals and other publications

Services for Parliament:

annual report containing statistics on the level and outcome of FOI applications in agencies together with other information about the workings of the legislation

STANDARDS OF SERVICE

staff dealing with the public are identified by name and position

a contact name in all correspondence and telephone contacts for future reference

assistance given on an individual basis by the most appropriate officer

management of inquiries by one officer throughout the process where possible

telephone enquiries answered immediately or when required a return call within the same day

reply to written general enquiries within two working days

courteous communication

written communication and reasons for formal decisions expressed clearly

confidentiality obligations observed

customers have access to a comfortable reception area

internet site providing a wide range of information, including a search facility for published decisions

USING YOUR FEEDBACK

We seek feedback from the parties to a cross-section of complaints regarding the level, appropriateness and standard of services provided. This information is used to continually monitor and improve our services. The feedback provided to date has been useful and we encourage, in other periodic surveys of customers, comment or views about any aspect of our services.

MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

internet site at www.foi.wa.gov.au (all reference material provided)

brochure entitled “Guidelines for Using FOI in Western Australia”

brochure entitled “Third Parties and Their Rights”

the Information Commissioner’s latest Annual Report is available on request while stocks are available, and online via our website

Policy and Practice Manual (available on our website only)

articles on topics relevant to the FOI process and particular processes to assist applicants and agencies

STAFF OF THE OFFICE

FOI Advice and Administrative Matters

Mr Kim Bracknell	Information Services Manager	kbracknell@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Grace Grandia	Advisory and Projects Officer	ggrandia@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Michelle Painter	Administrative Assistant	mpainter@foi.wa.gov.au

External Review

Mr Tim Kennedy	Senior Legal Officer	tkennedy@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Anne Marshall	Legal Officer	amarshall@foi.wa.gov.au
Mr Tony Pruyn	Senior Investigations Officer	tpruyn@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Vivien Hillyard	Investigations Officer	hillyardv@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Rachel Crute	Legal Officer (Research and Investigations)	rcrute@foi.wa.gov.au
Ms Sylvie De Laroche	Personal Assistant	sdelaroche@foi.wa.gov.au

For advice regarding the FOI process generally, Grace Grandia can be contacted directly on 9220 7802. Matters of an administrative nature can be directed to Michelle Painter on 9220 7806.

Specific complaints and other matters before the Information Commissioner are dealt with by External Review staff. You will be informed of the officer dealing with any such matters involving you, and can then liaise with them direct as required.

Postal Address:

Office of the Information Commissioner

PO Box Z5386

St George’s Terrace

PERTH WA 6831

Street Address:

Level 12, St Martin’s Tower

44 St George’s Terrace

PERTH WA 6000

Telephone: 9220 7888

Freecall: 1800 621 244 (WA country callers only)

Facsimile: (08) 9325 2152

Website: www.foi.wa.gov.au

E-mail: info@foi.wa.gov.au