The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (FOI Act) is to promote openness and accountability within the South Australian Government and to facilitate public participation in government decision making.  A comprehensive introduction to freedom of information is available on the State Records website. 

About Freedom of Information

The FOI Act gives members of the public a legally enforceable right to access documents, subject to certain restrictions, held by South Australian Government agencies, local government authorities, statutory and regulatory bodies and South Australian universities.  The FOI Act also gives you the right to apply to have your personal records amended if the information is incomplete, incorrect, and out of date or misleading.

Making an Application

SES applications are managed by the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM).

In accordance with the FOI Act applications must be made in writing.  You may choose to write a letter or use the online application form.

Specify that the application is made under the FOI Act

In making an application, ensure you:

  • specify that the application is made under the FOI Act
  • include your name and address in Australia to which information can be sent
  • be accompanied by the prescribed application fee (exemptions apply for Members of Parliament and pensioners or health card holders) If submitting online, payment to be made with a credit card.
  • clearly identify the documents being sought or the matter to which they pertain
  • specify if the documents contain your personal information
  • request the form of access you are seeking, for example specify if you require a copy of the documents or if you wish to inspect the documents.

For more information or assistance with making an application, please telephone (08) 8463 4069.

Applications to review a decision under FOI

If the agency you apply to refuses you access to all or part of a document you requested access to, you will be informed of the reasons why and advised of your rights to seek a review or appeal.

You can also complete the FOI Review Decision Application Form to seek a review or appeal if you have applied for your personal records to be amended under freedom of information and amendment has been refused.


For more information contact:

Ombudsman SA 
Telephone:      (08) 8226 8699
Toll Free:         1800 182 150 (within SA) 
Email:              ombudsman@ombudsman.sa.gov.au

South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
Telephone:      1800 723 767
Email:              sacat@sacat.sa.gov.au   


Send Applications

Accredited Freedom of Information Officer
SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission
GPO Box 2706
ADELAIDE   SA   5001

The Accredited FOI Officer can be reached on (08) 8115 3509 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.