Freedom of Information
Government agencies are required to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) and provide public access to documents promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost. Whenever possible, documents are provided outside the Freedom of Information (FOI) process. The department has published a FOI Statement on its website outlining the FOI application process and procedures together with a list of documents indicating whether the document is available outside the FOI Act or requires an FOI application.
In 2016-17, there were 422 FOI requests.
Transparency policy
Appropriate levels of openness and transparency are important elements of contemporary governance approaches that enable stakeholders to have confidence in public sector decision making processes and actions.
The department is committed to open government based on a culture of engagement, built on better access to and use of government held information, and sustained by the innovative use of technology.
Communication technologies open new opportunities for information sharing, consultation and collaboration between governments and stakeholders by expanding the way customers can do business with the department.
The department generates geoscience and technical information, and in its administrative role receives scientific and technical information from the upstream minerals and energy sector active in Western Australia. This information is required by government for decision making, to promote investment and to demonstrate industry compliance with approval conditions, policies and legislative requirements.
Much of this information can then be used by industry, avoiding the cost of collecting the same information. Sharing information across government and the broader community maximises the benefits of technical and related information, and contributes to the enhanced image of the department as a trusted regulator.
All information made available for public use follows the principles supported in the Freedom of Information Act 1992.