The Freedom of Information Act 1992 WA (external site) gives you the right to apply for access to documents held by Health Support Services (HSS). Your right to apply is not affected by why you want to obtain access, or HSS’ belief as to what your reasons are for applying.

How do I request information?

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), applications must:

• be in writing
• give enough information to enable the requested documents to be identified (subject matter, document names, and document date ranges)
• give an address in Australia where notices under this Act can be sent
• include a contact number and email address
• give any other information or details required under the FOI Act regulations
• an application fee may be payable under the regulations
• be accompanied by an Authority to Act where applicable
• provide a form of proof of identification with photo, e.g. drivers’ licence.

Enquiries

Postal address

FOI Coordinator

Office of the Chief Executive

Health Support Services

GPO Box 8545

Perth Business Centre, WA 6849

Email

hss.grc@health.wa.gov.au

What methods of access can I ask for?

Access to documents may be requested by way of:

• inspection of documents
• copies of documents.

How can I request information for someone else?

In addition to providing a valid application, additional consent and/or supporting documentation is required when requesting information on behalf of others, or about others.

If you are requesting information on behalf of someone else, you will need to provide their written permission.

If you are applying for information about someone who has died, you must provide your identification and supporting documentation that clearly shows you are the closest relative to that person e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate or death certificate.

If you are not the closest relative, you must provide written authorisation from the closest relative permitting you to access the information.

What information can’t be released?

Some documents fall under exemptions and cannot be released, for example, if they compromise someone else’s privacy or commercial or business affairs.

Access may be provided to an edited copy of the document if it contains information considered to be exempt.

How much does it cost?

There are no fees or charges if the application is for your own personal information.

For a definition of personal information, visit the WA Gov website - 'What is personal information under the FOI Act? Office of the Information Commissioner.' 

Applications for other documents (i.e. which are non-personal in nature) will incur a $30.00 application fee to be paid when the application is lodged.

Additional charges for dealing with the request (e.g. photocopying costs, staff time etc.) may apply as per the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA). You will be notified of these charges upon receipt of your application.

When will I get a decision?

Upon receipt of a valid application, HSS has a maximum of 45 calendar days to make a decision regarding access. The notice of decision will include details such as:

• the date when the decision was made
• the name and the title of the person who made the decision
• the reasons for claiming the document is exempt if access is refused
• information on your rights of review and the procedures to be followed to exercise those rights.

How do I amend my personal information?

If you believe your personal information held by HSS is inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading, you may apply to have that information amended.

Your request must be in writing and must provide as much information and supporting information as possible to demonstrate how or why the records are considered to be inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading. 

If your request for amendment is refused you will be informed of the reasons for the decision and also the process to request an internal review.

Request for patient records

Health Support Services provides ICT, financial services, procurement and supply, and workforce services, and does not hold patient or medical records.

Requests for patient records can be made by contacting the relevant hospital or health service. Visit the Department of Health website - 'WA Health freedom of information contacts.'

Related links and resources

• Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia (external site)
• HSS FOI Information Statement (PDF 279KB)
• HSS FOI application form (PDF 306KB)
• HSS FOI application form (WORD 215KB) 
• WA Health freedom of information contacts (external website)

Collection of your personal information 

Health Support Services collects your personal information to allow us to identify and contact you. If you do not provide the requested information, we may not be able to assist you with your application.

View the HSS Privacy Policy and HSS Privacy Statement which provides further details about how your personal information is collected, managed, used, disclosed, and how to lodge a privacy complaint.