Prior to applying for access to documents, ensure that you have your ID and any authorisations available to attach to your application. An authority is required where you are applying on behalf of another person or a company. Your ID is required to verify your identity.

If you are applying for documents relating to a WorkSafe investigation and are unsure whether the investigation has been finalised, please contact our office.

In order to submit a valid application, your application must: 

• be submitted using our online form or you can lodge a completed written application form;
• include a current postal address in Australia;
• include identification and, where applicable, a letter of authority;
• contain enough information so that we can identify the document(s) you are requesting; 
• be as clear and concise as possible (this will assist in processing your application as soon as possible); and
• be accompanied by the application fee if you are submitting a non-personal information application.

Tip: If your request is too broad (for example “all documents”) you will be asked to narrow the scope of your application. Your application must be specific to ensure that documents can be located.

Applications will be processed within 45 days of receipt of a valid application. An extension may be requested where the agency is unable to meet the 45 day period.

An application fee of $30.00 must be received for non-personal information applications before the application is considered valid. This fee is prescribed by the FOI Act and is non-refundable.

Additional charges may apply for processing applications.  For further details please refer to our Information Statement.

Secure online payment can be made by payment card (we accept Visa and Mastercard) using our online application form or when lodging your application in person.  When submitting your application via post, cheques and money orders are accepted and should be made payable to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

There are no fees payable for personal information applications.

When your application is received, you will be sent an acknowledgement including a date when the response is due. Applications are processed in order of receipt. Processing includes identifying and locating documents that meet the scope of your application, consulting with relevant parties, redacting exempt matter, and providing an access decision.

Tip: The FOI Act requires consultation with third parties before their information can be released unless you provide a letter of authority from the third party.

You will be contacted by the FOI team should they require additional information to process your application.