The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) gives members of the public the right to access our documents subject to some limitations. It also lets people seek changes to their personal information we hold if they feel it is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading.
We aim to provide documents through the FOI process as quickly and cost effectively as possible. Where possible we also provide documents outside the FOI process.
Before submitting a freedom of information request we encourage you to contact us to discuss whether we hold the relevant documents. See our contact details at the end of this page.
If we do not hold the documents you request, we may be able to help you by directing your request to the appropriate agency. There is a list of all Western Australian agencies.
Our functions
Show moreThe Commission is established under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (PSM Act).
In section 21A of the PSM Act, the Public Sector Commissioner’s functions are to promote the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector, and plan for the sector’s future management and operation.
We also have defined functions under:
- sections of the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 – we work to ensure minor misconduct matters are dealt with appropriately
- the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 – we maintain a public interest disclosure officer contact list, set the code of conduct of these officers and provide guidelines for the sector
- the Integrity (Lobbyists) Act 2016 – we manage and publish the Register of Lobbyists and set the code of conduct for lobbyists.
Documents we create or receive in relation to our responsibilities under the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 are exempt from the FOI Act.
Further, the statutory role of Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment resides in the Commission and administers Part IX of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
Our annual report shows our organisation structure.
Public participation in the formulation of our policy and the performance of our functions
Show moreThe avenues for public participation in the formulation of our policies and the performance of our functions are limited due to statutory requirements to undertake specific functions independently.
Documents we hold under our remit
Show moreThe types of documents we hold are listed below, along with examples of each type. This is not an exhaustive list of all documents so please visit our website to access all publicly available documents.
Corporate information
- Strategic Plan
- Future Enabled: A strategic narrative of professionalism, purpose and pride in the Western Australian public sector
- Annual reports
- Customer Service Charter
- Statement of Business Ethics
- Code of Conduct
- Privacy Statement
Policy, legislation, key instruments and frameworks
- Commissioner's Instructions
- Public sector standards in human resource management
- Annual report guidelines for public sector agencies
- Guidelines for the review of legislation
- Public sector officers providing evidence to parliamentary committees
- Participation in federal and state elections
- Public sector notices
Workforce planning, management and culture
- Workforce diversification and inclusion strategy and action plans
- Psychologically Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
- Workplace adjustments for people with disability
- Understanding Diverse Sexualities and Genders
- Cultural Considerations in the Workplace
- Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment annual reports
- Classifying and remunerating positions in the public service
- Managing workplace behaviour
- Structural change management
Public sector recruitment
- Employment programs
Conduct and integrity
- Integrity framework resources
- Developing a Code of Conduct
- Developing Code of Conduct Training
- Developing Detection Systems
- Minor misconduct
- Conflicts of Interest Guide
- Public interest disclosures (including a register of public interest disclosure officers)
- Integrity in financial management
- Post separation employment
- Assessments, reviews, investigations and special inquiries
Agency capability
- Agency Capability Review Program
- Agency Capability Framework
- Agency Capability Review reports
Government sector workforce data
- 2023 WA Public Sector Census
- State of the Western Australian Government Sector Workforce
- State of the Western Australian Government Sector Workforce Statistical Bulletins
- Western Australian Public Sector Quarterly Workforce Reports
Leadership and development
- Building Leadership Impact
- Leadership Expectations
- Learning and Development Prospectus
Executive employment and development
- CEO performance agreement templates
Boards and committees
- Governance Manual for Western Australian Government Boards and Committees
Lobbyists
- A register of lobbyists and their clients
Other
- Public Service Medal
- Government sector mailing list
- Key Entities of the Western Australian Government
- Departments, Responsible Ministers and Portfolios
If you would like access to a specific document which is not published online, please telephone our FOI Coordinator on (08) 6552 8550 or email us with your request before lodging an FOI application.
Internal manuals
Show moreInformation related to the performance of our functions including processes and procedural guides are published on WA.gov.au.
If you would like access to a specific document which is not published online, please telephone our FOI Coordinator on (08) 6552 8550 or email us with your request.
Requesting access to documents
Show moreTo request access to documents under the FOI Act, your application must:
- be in writing and specify that the request is made under the FOI Act
- give enough information so requested documents can be identified
- not form part of a letter or email about another subject
- give an Australian address we can send notices to
- provide a telephone number or email address so we can contact you
- be lodged with an application fee, if required.
You can create your own application or use our Freedom of Information Application Form. Applications are acknowledged in writing when received.
Amendment of personal information
Show moreYou have the right to apply for an amendment of any document that contains personal information about you.
All applications must be in writing and need to clearly demonstrate how or why the document is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. If we decide to amend the personal information, this is usually be done by altering the documents or adding a note.
Fees and charges
Show moreUnder the FOI Act, no application fee or charge applies if you are seeking personal information that is just about you.
An application fee for non-personal information applies and can be made by:
- our secure online account payment system BPOINT
- our electronic funds transfer to BSB 066-040, Account Number 19400108, Account name Public Sector Commission.
Charges for non-personal applications are discretionary and set out in Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Regulations 1993.
Non-personal application fees:
| Fee type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 |
| Time taken dealing with the application | $30 an hour |
| Staff supervision of person provided on-site access | $300 an hour |
| Photocopying | $30 an hour for staff time plus 20c a copy |
| Transcribing information from a tape, film or computer | $30 an hour |
| Duplicating tape, film or computer information | Actual cost |
| Delivery,packaging and post | Actual cost |
Notice of decision
Show moreWe notify you of our decision as soon as possible but no later than 45 calendar days after receiving your application.
The notification includes:
- the name and position title of the officer who made the decision and the date it was made
- reasons for deleting any matter or refusing access to any matter
- your rights of review and procedures to be followed.
Rights of review
Show moreYou may appeal a decision made by us for access or amendment to documents through an internal and external review process. No fees or charges apply.
Internal review applications must be in writing to us within 30 calendar days after the date of the written notice of decision.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of our internal review, you may apply to the Information Commissioner for an external review. An application for external review must be lodged by you within 60 days of receiving written notice of the decision. In certain instances, questions of law that arise may be referred to the Supreme Court.
