Freedom of information, open government and privacy

Freedom of Information (FOI)

The South Australian Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the Act) promotes openness and accountability in the South Australian Government. The Act gives you a legal right of access to information held by most government agencies, subject to certain privacy and other specific exemptions.

You can also ask to have personal records amended if the information is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading

Our information statement provides:

• information on the types of documents the department holds
• details of documents that are available free-of-charge and how to access those.

Making an FOI application

Make an FOI request for access or amendment online or with a paper form.

Application fees and charges

A basic application fee applies. There may be further charges to process the application.

Fee exemptions apply for:

• Commonwealth concession card holders
• Members of Parliament.

Requesting a review

If you are refused access to all or part of a document that you requested, you will be told why and will have the right to seek a review or appeal.

You can also seek a review or appeal if you have applied for your personal records to be amended under FOI and the amendment has been refused.

Ombudsman SA

Phone 8226 8699
Toll-Free within South Australia, phone 1800 182 150
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.sa.gov.au

South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)

Phone 1800 723 767
Email sacat@sacat.sa.gov.au

Submitting application forms

Online FOI applications are automatically directed to DHS.

Email printed applications to DHSfreedomofinformation@sa.gov.au

Or post to:

The Senior FOI Officer
Department of Human Services
GPO Box 292
Adelaide South Australia 5001

Getting help with FOI

For any further questions you may have about FOI, contact the Senior FOI Officer.

Phone 8413 9094
Email DHSfreedomofinformation@sa.gov.au

You may also find the following web site links helpful:

State Records of South Australia

Ombudsman SA

Open Government

The South Australian Government makes information that is regularly requested under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 pro-actively available to all members of the community. See Open Government for further information.

The Government acknowledges the information it holds is a valuable public resource and is committed to being open and accountable, engaging with the community, and public participation in the making of decisions, policies, and laws.

SA Cabinet approved the online publication of information regularly requested under FOI in April 2013 and a policy to assist with its implementation was approved by Cabinet in August 2013. Information related to the Department will be published to this website.