The Freedom of Information Act 1992 provides the right to apply for information where it is not routinely available. The ERA aims to make information available promptly and at the least possible cost. Where possible, the ERA will grant access to documents outside a formal Freedom of Information process.
Most of the ERA’s decisions, supplementary information and corporate publications are available on its website in PDF format, and can be made available in different formats upon request.
If you are seeking access to a specific document which cannot be located online, please contact the ERA on 08 6557 7900 or info@erawa.com.au with your request, prior to lodging a Freedom of Information application.
The Freedom of Information Act 1992 does not apply to the ERA’s regulatory function relating to access to gas pipelines.
Making a Freedom of Information Application
The application has to:
- be in writing
- give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified
- give an address in Australia to which notices under this Act can be sent
- give any other information or details required under the regulations and
- be lodged with the ERA with any application fee payable under the Regulations.
Lodging your application
Applications can be lodged by:
- Email: FOI@erawa.com.au
- Hand: Level 4, Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington Street, Perth WA 6000
- Post: PO Box 8469 Perth BC WA 6849
Applications will be acknowledged in writing and the applicant will be notified of the decision within 45 calendar days.
Charges
Fees and charges determined under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 are listed below. Where specified, the charges must be paid in full before access to non-exempt documents will be permitted.
Type of fee:
|
Personal information about applicant
|
No fee
|
Application fee for non-personal information
|
$30
|
Type of charge:
|
Charge for time dealing with the application (per hour or pro rata)
|
$30
|
Access time supervised by staff (per hour or pro rata)
|
$30
|
Photocopying time (per hour or pro rata)
|
$30 |
| Photocopies (per copy) |
20 cents |
| Transcribing a document (per hour or pro rata) |
$30 |
| Duplicating a tape, film or computer record |
Actual cost |
| Delivery, packaging and postage |
Actual cost |
Processing of Freedom of Information Applications
The ERA’s Freedom of Information Coordinator will liaise with the applicant, relevant decision maker or internal reviewer and third parties.
After processing your application and locating relevant documents, the ERA will make a decision about access to the requested information. A Notice of Decision will be issued that contains the following information:
- the date which the decision was made
- the name and the designation of the officer who made the decision
- if the document is exempt or contains exempt matter, the reasons for classifying it as exempt or the reason behind an edited copy being provided
- information on the right to review the decision
Once a decision has been made, the applicant will receive a Notice of Decision which outlines the case facts and reasons behind the ERA’s decision.
Complaints of Decision
While the Freedom of Information Act 1992 encourages open government through the release of documents and information, there is a provision to refuse access on a range of grounds. Applicants have a right of appeal in these cases, in the first instance to an internal review process and subsequently to the Information Commissioner. The ERA’s Freedom of Information Coordinator will be pleased to explain your rights in these cases.
