This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Internet filtering'.

 
FOI FACT SHEET 
Request for Access to Documents  
Under Section 13 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 
Please read this fact sheet before completing the attached application form 
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION 
The South Australian Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the FOI Act) gives you a legal right 
to request access to any documents held by any ‘agency’ that the Act applies to. An ‘agency’ 
includes South Australian State Government Agencies, Local Government Councils or South 
Australian Universities.  
Applications must be made in writing in accordance with Section 13 of the FOI Act.  
Applications are lodged with, and processed by, the agency that holds the documents you are 
seeking to access e.g. if you are seeking to access police records, you would request the 
documents from South Australia Police.  
Requesting Access to Documents 
When making an FOI application, you will need to provide enough information to enable the 
correct documents to be identified.  If you are uncertain, it is recommended that you contact 
the agency’s FOI Officer for assistance. 
If you are seeking documents relating to your own personal affairs, you may be asked to 
provide proof of your identity.  If you are seeking access to documents on behalf of another 
person relating to their personal affairs, you may be asked to provide written consent signed 
by that person. 
Access to documents can be provided in different ways, depending on how the information is 
stored. The different ways you can access documents include: 
  inspecting documents 
  requesting a copy of documents 
  hearing and viewing audio and video tapes 
Advice about how you would like to access the documents should be included in your FOI 
application. 
How much does a FOI application cost? 
There is a $34.25 FOI application fee that must be paid to the agency that holds the 
documents at the time you lodge your application. 
Processing charges may also be applicable.  The agency will advise you of these charges once 
it receives your application and begins processing it. 
If you are dissatisfied with a fee or charge calculated by the agency, you are entitled to 
request a fee review by the agency.  Such a review is free of charge.  If you are still 
dissatisfied with the outcome of the fee review, you can seek a further review from the 
Ombudsman or, for applications made to South Australia Police, the Police Ombudsman. 
Generally agencies accept payment by cash, money order or cheque.  If you would like to pay 
by credit card you will need to ask the agency if they are able to accept credit card payments. 
Further information about fees and charges applicable under the FOI Act can be found in the 
Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2003
01/07/2017 
 
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What if I have a concession card or can’t afford to pay? 
If you are the holder of a current concession card, or if you can satisfy the agency that the 
payment of the fee or charge would cause financial hardship, the agency must waive or remit 
(reduce or refund) the application fee.   
If you are a concession cardholder you will need to provide the agency with evidence.  For 
example you can attach a copy of your concession card to your completed FOI application 
form.  Alternatively you will need to provide written reasons as to why the payment of a fee 
or charge would cause you financial hardship. 
Processing Requests for Access to Documents 
After receiving your application, the agency is required to deal with it in accordance with the 
requirements of the FOI Act and provide you with a written decision.  This is called a Notice 
of Determination.  The Notice of Determination will include the agency’s decision in relation 
to your request and, if access has been refused in full or in part, the reasons why this has 
occurred.   The agency will advise you of your rights of review and appeal if you are unhappy 
with their determination. 
How long will it take? 
A request for access will be dealt with as soon as practicable, or within 30 calendar days of it 
being received. 
In certain circumstances the agency may extend the timeframe for dealing with your 
application.  The agency will advise you within 20 calendar days if an extension is necessary, 
and why. 
If the agency has not extended the timeframe for dealing with your application and you do not 
receive a determination within 30 calendar days, the legislation deems that the agency has 
refused your application.  If this is the case, you are entitled to lodge an application for 
review.  For further information you should speak to the FOI Officer at the agency that you 
sent your FOI application to. 
Access to documents by Members of Parliament  
A Member of the South Australian Parliament who applies for access to a document held by a 
State Government Agency, Local Government Council or University is entitled to access the 
document without charge unless the work generated by the application involves fees and 
charges totalling more than $1,000. 
Further information 
For questions specifically related to your application, contact the agency that holds the 
documents you wish to access, and ask for the agency’s FOI Officer or Unit. 
If you want more information about how FOI operates in South Australia, please visit the 
State Records of SA website at www.archives.sa.gov.au. 
You can also download a free copy of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 and Freedom of 
Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2003 
from the South Australian legislation 
website at www.legislation.com.au. 
 
 
 
01/07/2017 
 
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FOI APPLICATION FORM 
Request for Access to Documents 
Under Section 13 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 
Please read the attached ‘FOI Fact Sheet  – Request for Access to Documents’  
before completing and lodging your application  
Agency Details 
Name of the Agency you are seeking to access documents from
 
Details of Applicant 
Surname: 
Given Names: 
Australian Postal Address: 
 
Suburb:                                                                          Post Code: 
Email (optional)
Contact phone numbers: 
Details of documents being requested 
(Describe  the  documents  you  are  seeking  to  access.    If  you  are  applying  for  access  to  personal  information  please  provide  enough 
information to assist with identification of documents, eg date of birth, previous names etc. Attach more pages if you cannot fit all of the 
information in this box.) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Do the documents you have described above contain information about your personal affairs?  
YES / NO (cross out whichever does not apply) 
Form of Access 
(place a tick in the most appropriate boxes) 
I wish to inspect the documents  
 Yes 
 No 
I require a copy of the documents 
 Yes 
 No 
I require access in another form 
 Yes 
 No (If yes please specify below) 
Specify other form of access here if applicable, e.g transcript of a recorded document. 
 
01/07/2017 
 
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Fees and Charges 
An application fee of $34.25 must be submitted with the completed application form, unless you 
are seeking to have the application fee waived.  If you are seeking to have the application fee 
waived, please attach evidence supporting why it should be waived e.g. attach a copy of your 
concession card or other evidence as proof of financial hardship. 
In the following section please tick as appropriate  
Is the application fee attached? 
 Yes 
 No 
Application fee is in the form of 
 Cheque 
 Cash  
 Money Order   
(Do not send cash through the mail) 
Do you require a fee waiver? 
 Yes 
 No 
Is evidence of the need to 
waive fees attached? 
 Yes 
 No 
(e.g. a copy of your concession card) 
If you wish to pay your application fee via credit card you will need to ask the agency you are 
applying to if they accept credit card payments. 
If no fee is attached and you do not qualify for a waiver, then this application will not be valid 
until the fee has been received by the agency. 
 
Applicant's Signature: 
Date  …... / …... / 20…... 
Notes on lodging this FOI application 
Now that you have completed all of the information required in this application form, post or deliver it 
(along with any required documents e.g. payment or proof of concession for fee waiver) to the agency 
that holds the documents you are seeking to access.   
Please keep a copy of your application for your own reference. 
 
 
 
OFFICE USE ONLY 
Received on  …... / …... / 20…... 
Acknowledgment sent on  …... / …... / 20.….. 
Determination sent on …../…../ 20…… 
01/07/2017 
 
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