Freedom of Information

Whether you want to make a request under Freedom of Information (FOI), or just get an idea of costs and expected waiting times, we can help.

What is FOI?

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (Act) gives you the right to access Glen Eira City Council documents, subject to exemptions. You also have the right to ask us to change or remove incorrect information about you.

In this context, documents can be:

  • maps
  • films
  • microfiche
  • photographs
  • computer print outs
  • tape recordings
  • video tapes
  • written documents

Are there other ways to access information?

Yes, you can access some information without submitting an FOI request. See below:

  • As part of open and transparent decision-making, we maintain a range of documents and registers for publication or inspection by the public.
  • Some information may be available from us or under other laws, either with or without a charge.

Our FOI officer can help you work out if you need to submit an FOI request.

For more information, visit our Publication of information statement page.

How to make a Freedom of Information request

For a request to be valid under the Act, it must be:

  • in writing
  • accompanied by an application fee of $32.70
  • clear enough that we can identify the documents you want.

You can submit a FOI request online or download and manually complete our FOI application form (DOCX, 86KB)

Email completed forms to foi@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Mail completed forms to:

Freedom of Information Officer
Glen Eira City Council
PO Box 42
Caulfield South VIC 3162

Fees and charges

How to pay the application fee

You can pay the $32.70 application fee:

  • over the phone with your credit card by calling 9524 3333
  • in person at our Service Centre, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.

If you think the fee may cause you hardship, let us know and we may waive the fee.

Are there any other fees?

In addition to the application fee, we may pass on access charges of providing documents to you.

Before processing a request, we will estimate the access charges. If the estimate is more than $50, we will ask if you want to proceed with your request, and ask for a deposit.

How will you use my personal information?

When you submit an FOI request, you provide your personal information, including your name and contact details. We collect this information to process your request which includes consultation with third parties from time to time depending on the nature of the request and Council’s legal obligation to consult.

Please visit our Privacy page for more information.

How long does it take?

We must provide a decision in writing within 30 days after receiving a valid request.

If we require a deposit, we must provide a decision in writing within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

In some instances, we may need more time to process your request. If so, we will contact you and explain our reasons.

Any more questions?

If you have any more questions, email foi@gleneira.vic.gov.au or download our Frequently asked questions (PDF, 97KB).