Freedom of Information

The objectives of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 are to:

• enable the public to participate more effectively in governing the State
• make the persons and bodies that are responsible for State and Local Government more accountable to the public

In furthering these objectives, the Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to publish an annual information statement. An Information Guide to the City of Joondalup serves as a reference guide to the function of the Council, its responsibilities and information. The inclusion of this section in Council’s annual report meets the annual information statement requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4586.

Lodging a Freedom of Information Application

All applications require the following information and items to be submitted:

• A completed Freedom of Information application form as attached
• Enough detail to enable the requested documents to be identified e.g. property address, subject matter, date range.
• An address and contact telephone number.

All applications are to be lodged by post addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Joondalup, PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919, or delivered in person to the City of Joondalup, 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup.  

Costs

There are no fees or charges if the application is for personal information about the applicant. A fee of $30.00 is required for other applications and there may be charges for dealing with the request. The City will consult with the applicant to keep the charges to a minimum. A full list of costs are outlined below.

Freedom of Information Schedule of Fees and Charges

Advanced Deposits

Section 17(3) of the Act states that where an agency estimates the charges for dealing with an application might exceed the prescribed fee, the applicant is to be notified of the estimate before such costs are incurred. Should the applicant then wish to proceed with the application, the agency is authorised by section 18(1) of the Act to require payment of an advance deposit equal to 25 per cent of the estimated charges. Should a greater amount be required to progress the application, the agency may require, by written notice, the payment of an advanced deposit of up to and including 75 per cent of the estimate charges.

Reduction of charges

For an applicant who is:

• impecunious, in the opinion of the agency to whom the application is made or
• the holder of a current valid pensioner concession card issued on behalf of the Commonwealth to that person, or any other card which may be prescribed as being a pensioner concession card under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992 the charges payable, with the exception of the application fee, are reduced by 25 per cent

Personal Information

The Freedom of Information Act defines personal information as:
"Information or an opinion, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual, whether living or dead –

• whose identity is apparent or can reasonably be ascertained from the information or opinion
• who can be identified by reference to an identification number or other identifying particular such as fingerprint, retina print or body sample."

Therefore property matters are not deemed personal.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4586.