Freedom of Information

The proclamation of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) in November 1993 created a legal right of access to documents held by all state and local government agencies. Verve Energy's FOI Officer coordinates the receipt and processing of all FOI applications relating to the Corporation.

Freedom of Information – Information statement

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act), that came into effect on 1 November 1993, created a general right of access to documents held by State and Local Government agencies. The FOI Act requires agencies to make available details about the kind of information they hold and enables persons to ensure that personal information held by government agencies about them is “accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading”.

It is the aim of Verve Energy to make information available promptly in accordance with the Act.

What is a document?

Includes any record or part of a record, and any copy or reproduction. It therefore covers files, computer printouts, maps, plans, photographs, tape recordings, films, video tapes or electronically stored information.

Receipt of FOI applications

FOI applications, payments, correspondence and general inquiries may be directed to Verve Energy’s FOI Officer, 15-17 William Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000.

Processing of applications

The FOI Officer is the initial contact point for all members of the community, applicants, third parties, the Office of the Information Commissioner and other public sector agencies for all FOI-related matters.

All FOI applications must:

  • be in writing;
  • give specific information so that the documents requested can be identified;
  • give an Australian address to which notices can be sent;
  • be lodged at the agency with the relevant application fee payable.

Applications will be acknowledged in writing and you will be notified of the decision within 45 days.

Fees and charges

The rate of fees and charges are set under the FOI Act Regulations. Apart from the application fee for non-personal information, all charges are discretionary. Details of fees and charges are listed below:

  • Personal information about applicant – no fee;
  • Application fee for non-personal information - $30.00;
  • Charge for time taken dealing with application - $30.00 per hour;
  • Charges for photocopying - $30.00 per hour for staff and 20c per copy;
  • Charges for staff time in transcribing information from a tape or other device - $30.00 per hour;
  • Charge for duplicating a tape, film or computer information – actual cost;
  • Charge for delivery, packaging and postage – actual cost.

Notice of decision

Within 45 days you will be provided with a notice of decision which will include details such as:

  • the date which the decision was made;
  • the name and the designation of the officer who made the decision;
  • if access is refused, the reasons for claiming the document exempt; and
  • information in the rights of review and the procedures to be followed to exercise those rights.

Rights of review

The FOI Act provides that applicants that are dissatisfied with a decision of the Corporation, that they have the right to have that decision reviewed. In accordance with section 40 of the FOI Act, internal review applications should be forwarded in writing to the corporation within 30 calendar days after the date of the corporation’s initial notice of decision.

Following an internal review, if any matter remains in dispute applicants are advised of their right to request the Information Commissioner to conduct an “external review” of the matter. No fees or charges apply to internal or external reviews.

Documents held by the agency

The corporation’s records relate to a variety of functions and activities such as:

  • Transmission and distribution documentation
  • Reform policy
  • Environmental policy
  • Minister’s support
  • Customer network information