Section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 deals with the publication of information about an agency and information that an agency holds.
Among other things, the Minister responsible for a State Government agency must publish an up-to-date information statement at least every 12 months. Local Government Councils and Universities must also publish an up-to-date information statement at least every 12 months.
This information sheet explains what an agency information statement is, what an information statement must contain, and how and agency must publish its information statement.
FOI information sheet explaining what an information statement is, what it must contain, and how it must be published by an agency. FOI Information Statement (45 KB PDF File)
Decisions of the South Australian Government can result in 'administrative changes' to South Australian agencies. An 'administrative change' refers to a change in the responsibilities for the administration of government functions.
These changes can occur as a result of:
a function being transferred from one agency to another
a whole agency being transferred from one portfolio to another
the government undertaking new functions
the abolition of a function.
When such changes occur the records relating to the function in question need to be transferred to the new agency responsible for the function. An agency, therefore, would be required to relinquish control, and transfer ownership and custody of official records to another agency.
The purpose of this information sheet is to provide recommendations on how to manage Freedom of Information (FOI) applications and other FOI responsibilities of an agency when administrative change occurs.
FOI information sheet covering how fees and charges may arise while processing an FOI application within a South Australian Government agency. FOI Fees and Charges (53 KB PDF File)
This information sheet provides an explanation of what an Accredited Freedom of Information Officer is, their role and responsibilities and how a person becomes an Accredited Freedom of Information Officer.
Information sheet explaining what an Accredited Freedom of Information Officer is, their role and responsibilities and how a person becomes an Accredited Freedom of Information Officer. What is an Accredited FOI Officer? (68 KB PDF File)
FOI information sheet outlining the monthly and annual Freedom of Information reporting obligations of agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1991. Reporting Requirements under FOI (45 KB PDF File)
FOI Management System (FOIMS)
The South Australian Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) has been developed as an across government tool for recording, processing and reporting freedom of information applications.
FOIMS is also able to report on contracts containing confidentiality clauses as required under clause 13(6) schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1991.
The following information sheet gives a broad outline of FOIMS.
An overview of the South Australian Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) developed as an across government tool for recording, processing and reporting freedom of information applications. Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) (51 KB PDF File)
FOI and contracting
The 2004 amendments of the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 that came into effect on 1 January 2005 have had a significant impact on contract documents. There is now greater access to contracts entered into by the Crown or an Agency under FOI.
An Agency includes all State Government Agencies, Local Government Agencies (Councils) and Universities.
The following information sheets cover the impact of these changes and the requirements that now exist.
When an agency determines that some information in a document is exempt, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 1991, the remaining information must be released to the applicant if it is practicable to do so. To do this, the exempt information will need to be redacted or blocked out. This information sheet discusses the different redaction methods for both hard copy and electronic documents.
FOI information sheet to provide agencies with advice on the process of redacting, or blocking out parts of, a document prior to its release to a freedom of information applicant. FOI and Redaction of Documents (48 KB PDF File)
Amendments to the FOI Act 1991
On 1 January 2005 the last significant amendments to the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 came into force. By clicking on the link below, FOI Officers and other interested staff can access information on those amendments.
Legal Bulletin 33, issued by the Crown Solicitor's Office, provides advice to State Government agencies on the 2004 amendments, in particular in relation to the amendments to clauses 7 and 13 of Schedule 1. This is of particular interest to those who negotiate and administer government contracts. Please note that only State Government agencies can access this Legal Bulletin from the Government's intra.sa website. If required, Local Government and Universities can contact State Records for advice regarding these clauses.
Information on amendments to the FOI Act of 1991 that came into force on 1 January 2005 to ensure public and members of Parliament are assisted in exercising their rights under the Act and that the Act is applied promptly and efficiently. 2004 Amendments to the FOI Act, 1991 (56 KB PDF File)
11 attachment(s), that may be accessed from this web page, require the Adobe Reader.