How to access DEECA documents under FOI

You can request access to documents held by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 by submitting a written application and paying the required fee.

Ways to apply

Information Access and Privacy Unit
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
PO Box 500
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 8002

Fees and charges

A non-refundable application fee is required. If this causes hardship, you may request a fee waiver with supporting evidence, for example a copy of your health care card.

Additional charges may apply for search time and document copying. If charges exceed $70, you’ll be notified and may be asked to pay a deposit.

Refer to the application form (PDF, 246.0 KB) for current fee details.

What types of documents are held by DEECA?

DEECA has prepared information statements under Part II of the FOI Act. These statements provide an overview of the types of documents held by DEECA and how you can access the information you may require.

Accessing DEECA information

Making a request

  • If requesting information about someone else, a signed authority may be required.
  • If requesting personal information, proof of identity may be requested.
  • Be specific about the documents and include relevant timeframes.
  • Avoid vague phrases like “all documents about...”.
  • Please include a timeframe for your request.

Respond process

  • We aim to provide access in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.
  • Publicly available information may be provided through online or our Customer Contact Centre.
  • If your request is unclear, we may ask for clarification.
  • You’ll receive a decision within 30 days of your valid request (or after clarifications or deposits).
  • If access is refused, we will explain the reasons and your rights to appeal.
  • In some cases, your request may be referred or transferred to another agency.

Privacy complaints

If you believe DEECA or one of its service providers has breached your privacy under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014, you can lodge a complaint by submitting a completed privacy complaint form to:

Information Access and Privacy Unit
PO Box 500
East Melbourne VIC 8002
Email: foi.unit@deeca.vic.gov.au

Forms:

Correcting your personal information

In accordance with section 39 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, if DEECA holds a document containing information relating to your personal affairs that you believe to be inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or where it would give a misleading impression, you are entitled to request the correction or amendment of that information.

For more information or to make such a request, please contact:

Information Access and Privacy Unit
PO Box 500
East Melbourne VIC 8002
Phone: (03) 7022 6530
Email: foi.unit@deeca.vic.gov.au

Page last updated: 01/07/25