Before you lodge a RTI request you should check whether the information is already available somewhere else.
Information may already be available in other places including:
If I can't find the information I am looking for, how do I make an RTI application?
Applications are to be accompanied by the application fee of $41.25, unless you are claiming a fee waiver (see below).
The application fee can be paid by:
Direct deposit to WESTPAC, BSB 037-001, ACCOUNT 268083
Credit card by telephoning DPIPWE's Finance Branch on 03 6165 3122; or
Cheque or money order made out to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
You may apply to have the fee waived if:
- You are in financial hardship - we would usually ask to see evidence that you are in receipt of Centrelink or Veterans Affairs payments;
- You are a Member of Parliament and the application is in connection with your official duty;
- You are a journalist acting in connection with your professional duties; or
- You are able to demonstrate that you intend to use the information for a purpose that is of general public interest or benefit
Once your payment has been processed the application fee will not be refunded.
What will we do once we have your application?
The Department will locate all information relevant to your request.
A delegated RTI Officer will assess this information against the RTI Act to see whether or not it can be provided to you.
Generally, you will receive a decision within 20 working days. If we are required to consult with third parties about the information, then we have 40 working days to make a decision.
If some or all of the information is exempt information, the delegated RTI Officer’s written decision will explain why.
If your request is complex or is for a large amount of information we may work with you to amend your request or ask you to grant us more time to make the decision.
If we do not provide you with a decision within the timeframe allowed you are entitled to
apply to the Ombudsman for resolution of the matter.
RTI Disclosure Log
The Department may publish information it releases to you on its
Disclosure Log.
We will do this if it is in the public interest to do so and supports the Department’s commitment to making information available to a wider audience.
We will not publish:
- statements of reasons
- personal information
- commercially sensitive information
Your identity will not be published, however we will identify the category of applicant, such as Member of Parliament, media representative or private individual.
The Department has Policy and Procedures on information disclosure:
Information Disclosure Policy (4Mb)