Make a Freedom of Information request

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 gives the community a legal right to access certain documents containing personal information, including:

• health records
• maternal and child health records
• parking fine information
• permit and planning submissions.

Documents, both digital or hardcopy, can include files, maps, film, microfiche, photographs​ and audio and video recordings.

Some documents may be exempt from access, as stipulated in the Act. 

How to make a request

To make a request, be sure to provide all relevant information about the documents you want to access. Where possible, also include the type and approximate date range of the documents. 

To request access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act, complete our Freedom of Information (FOI) General form.

For health information, complete our Freedom of Information (FOI) Health form. You must include a Declaration for access to health records.

For immunisation information, see our Immunisation history statements page.

If you’re seeking your personal infringement history for admission to the legal profession in Victoria, you don’t need to submit an FOI request. Please make a request through our Contact form. 

Our eForm is the quickest and most efficient method of submitting your request. However, you can also email us at [email protected] or send your request to Freedom of Information Officer, Private Bag 1, Camberwell VIC 3124.

Fees

The fee for accessing documents under the Freedom of Information Act is $34.50. The application fee can be paid when you submit your application online.  Payment can also be made in person at the Customer Service Centre in Camberwell.

If your application is approved, you may need to pay additional fees, such as:

• search fees
• supervision charges
• photocopying charges
• access in a form other than a photocopy.

For more information, see our Part II Statement attached at the bottom of this page.  

There’s no application fee for accessing personal health or immunisation information  

If you're experiencing financial hardship, contact us and we may be able to reduce or waive the fee.

Application response

Council will make a decision within 30 days of receiving a valid request.

If your application is denied, we'll let you know why and explain your rights of review.