The Freedom of Information Act provides you with a general right of access to information held by Council. It also provides a right of appeal should Council refuse access to the information you request.
How to make a request for information
To request a Council document under the Freedom of Information Act, complete the FOI request form and submit with the application fee of $24.40:
Freedom of Information Officer
Nillumbik Shire Council
PO Box 476
GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088
The Freedom of Information Officer has 45 days from the date they receive a valid request to respond to the applicant.
The application fee is non-refundable.
Other Costs
Where an application for access is granted, costs will be charged in addition to the application fee for:
- search fees
- supervision charges
- photocopying charges
- providing access in a form other than a photocopy.
The costs for these charges are governed by the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations 1993.
Refusal of a Request
Not all information is automatically available. The Freedom of Information Act allows Council to refuse access to certain documents such as:
- law enforcement documents
- confidential matters considered by Council
- some internal working documents
- documents covered by legal professional privilege such as legal advice
- documents containing personal information about other people
- documents containing 'Commercial in-confidence' information or trade secrets
- information obtained in confidence
- personal details of others.
What if my Freedom of Information application is refused?
If you are refused access to documents, or are not satisfied with the action or decision of the Freedom of Information Officer, you can apply for a review of your original request by Chief Executive Officer. The request for an internal review must be done within 28 days.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of this review you may lodge a further request for review with the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal within 60 days of receiving the internal review decision.
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