The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) gives members of the public a right to apply for access to government documents, subject to some limitations. This includes documents held by most State government agencies (such as government departments; public hospitals; public universities and State government authorities), Ministers and local government.
Agencies are required to assist the public to obtain access to documents at the lowest reasonable cost, and to ensure that personal information held is accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading. Your right to apply is not affected by any reasons you have for wishing to obtain access, or the agency's belief as to what your reasons are for applying.
The types of documents you can request access to include paper files, maps, plans, photographs, recordings, films, video tapes and electronically stored information.
Applying for documents under the FOI Act
Show moreThe Office of the Information Commissioner provides useful guidance on accessing government documents.
Tourism WA makes its publications available via the Tourism WA website.
Information about the types of documents held by Tourism WA is detailed in the Tourism WA Information Statement. Some documents are protected from disclosure because their release would have an adverse effect on the private and business interests of individuals, or would hinder the proper functioning of government.
A valid application must:
- be in writing;
- give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified;
- give an address in Australia to which notices can be sent;
- be lodged at the agency with the appropriate application fee.
Under the FOI Act, Tourism WA must collect a fee of $30 for applications requesting non-personal documentation before an applicant’s request for access can be considered.
Applications and enquiries under the Act should be addressed to:
Contact: FOI Coordinator
Telephone: 08 9262 1700
Email: foi@westernaustralia.com
Address: Level 11, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Postal Address: GPO X2261, Perth WA 6847
Amending personal information
Show moreIf you believe that "personal information" held by Tourism WA about you is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or misleading, you may apply to have the information amended.
There are no fees or charges for amending personal information.
Office of the Information Commissioner
Show moreThe Information Commissioner is an independent officer who reports directly to Parliament. The main function of the Office of the Information Commission is to deal with complaints about decisions made by agencies in respect of access applications and applications for the amendment of personal information.
For more information, please visit the Information Commissioner's website.
Public interest disclosure
Show moreUnder the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (the Act), any person can make a disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor is acting, or may be going to act, which is of public interest.
This might involve:
- Improper conduct
- An offence under State laws (including corruption)
- Administration matters
- Irregular or unauthorised use of public resources
- Substantial mismanagement of public resources and
- Conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.
The Act outlines what may be disclosed, who it must be disclosed to, and also provides for the protection of people who make a public interest disclosure (PID), as well as those who may be subject of a PID.
A PID must always be in the public interest to report it. It does not apply to information that someone has, or is, engaging in criminal behaviour unconnected to their employment.
We recommend you seek advice before making a PID.
Our Public Interest Disclosure Officer is:
Scott Davis
Executive Director Corporate Services
Tourism Western Australia
Level 10, 1 William Street
PERTH WA 6000
Tel: +61 8 9262 1612
The Public Sector Commission also provides information for people thinking of making a disclosure and to assist public authorities in complying with their obligations under the Act.
