The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (The Act) gives members of the community a right to:
- access CFA documents (subject to exemptions)
- ask CFA to change or remove incorrect information about you
- seek a review of CFA's decision about access to a document or amendment of your personal record
What you cannot access:
CFA can refuse access to certain documents or information that are exempt. Under the Act exempt documents may include:
- Cabinet documents
- Documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice
- Documents containing personal information about other people (name, address and contact details)
- Documents containing information provided to CFA in confidence
- Documents containing information provided to CFA by a business
- Other matters set out in the Act
This information should not discourage you from asking for access as each document is assessed on its own merits before a decision is made.
Making a Freedom of Information Request
Under the FOI Act a request must be:
- in writing
- accompanied by an application fee of $32.70 (subject to change on 1 July each year)
- provide clear enough information about the documents you want
- provide an address for reply
You have the option to submit your request through letter, email or via the following:
If you are an unrepresented applicant, you can use the online form:
CFA Freedom of Information request - Unrepresented
If you are a solicitor or representing another person, you can use this online form designed for solicitors, law firms, unions and other parties representing FOI applicants:
CFA Freedom of Information request - Represented
Freedom of Information Officer
CFA
8 Lakeside Drive
BURWOOD EAST VIC 3151
Telephone: (61 3) 9262 8512
Email: foi@cfa.vic.gov.au
What happens to your request?
Once CFA has received your valid FOI request and application fee, CFA must respond to you in writing as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days outlining its decision on your request.
If CFA refuses you access to the documents sought, you can appeal to the Information Commissioner for a review of the decision. You must do so within 28 days of the date the decision was sent to you. The Information Commissioner has 30 days to conduct its review, unless the applicant agrees to an extended period in writing. The lodgement of a request for a review is not subject to any fees or costs. For further information visit Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website.
If you wish to appeal further to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal you must do so within 60 days of the date you were notified of the Commissioner's decision.
Are there other ways to access information?
Yes, you can access some information without submitting a FOI request. See below:
- As part of open and transparent decision-making, we maintain a range of documents for publication or inspection by the public.
- Some information may be available from us or under other laws, either with or without a charge.
- If you require documents for a court hearing or litigation, speak to your legal advisor about other methods available to gain access in those circumstances.
For more information, visit our Freedom of Information Part II Information Statement page below. Additionally, our FOI Officer can help you work out if you need to submit a FOI request.
Need more information?
Further information regarding Freedom of Information can be obtained from Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website.
More information in this section
Page last updated: Tuesday, 15 October 2024 12:49:34 PM