Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (The Act) gives members of the community a right to:

• access CFA documents (subject to exemptions)
• ask CFA to change incorrect information about you
• seek a review of CFA's decision about access to a document or amendment of your personal record 

What you cannot access:

CFA can refuse access to certain documents or information that are exempt. Under the Act exempt documents may include:

• Cabinet documents
• Documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice
• Documents containing personal information about other people (name, address and contact details)
• Documents containing information provided to CFA in confidence
• Documents containing information provided to CFA by a business
• Other matters set out in the Act

This information should not discourage you from asking for access as each document is assessed on its own merits before a decision is made.

Making a Freedom of Information Request

Under the FOI Act a request must be:

• in writing
• accompanied by an application fee of $34.50 (subject to change on 1 July each year)
  *Note: If paying the application fee would cause you financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. Please provide evidence of hardship, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
• provide clear enough information about the documents you want
• provide an address for reply

You have the option to submit your request through letter, email or via the following:

If you are an unrepresented applicant, you can use the online form:
 CFA Freedom of Information request - Unrepresented

If you are a solicitor or representing another person, you can use this online form designed for solicitors, law firms, unions and other parties representing FOI applicants:
 CFA Freedom of Information request - Represented

Freedom of Information Officer CFA
8 Lakeside Drive
BURWOOD EAST VIC 3151

Telephone: (61 3) 9262 8512
Email: foi@cfa.vic.gov.au

What happens to your request?

Once CFA has received your valid FOI request and application fee, CFA must respond to you in writing as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days outlining its decision on your request.

If CFA refuses you access to the documents sought, you can appeal to the Information Commissioner for a review of the decision. You must do so within 28 days of the date the decision was sent to you. The Information Commissioner has 30 days to conduct its review, unless the applicant agrees to an extended period in writing. The lodgement of a request for a review is not subject to any fees or costs. For further information visit Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website.

If you wish to appeal further to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal you must do so within 60 days of the date you were notified of the Commissioner's decision.

Consultation

The FOI Act requires CFA to consult with third parties about your request if the information contained in the relevant documents falls within certain exemptions. As part of the consultation process, your name and a brief description of your request may be provided to any person or body with whom we must consult.

Other costs

Where an application for access is granted, costs may be incurred (in addition to the application fee) to access the documents. The charges are levied under the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations 2025 and could include charges for search time, supervision, photocopying and other applicable charges.

The standard charges as at 1 July 2026 are:

• $25.90 per hour for search time
• $0.20 per black and white A4 photocopy

Where it is anticipated that the total costs will exceed $70, you will be advised to pay a deposit. You will also be asked if you wish to continue with the request or change the scope to reduce costs.

Making a formal request to amend personal information

You can ask CFA to correct or amend your personal information in documents that we hold. You can do this if you believe the information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. You cannot request that we delete or destroy the information. Amendments will be an addition or a notation on the document.

How to make an amendment request

You can make an amendment request by emailing foi@cfa.vic.gov.au. Please note: an application fee does not apply.

Under s40 of the FOI Act, a request for an amendment must:

1. Be in writing;
2. Provide an address where a decision can be sent;
3. Explain how the information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading; and
4. Outline the specific correction or amendment you are seeking.

After you submit a request

We will check to see that it meets the requirements in s40 of the FOI Act. If it does, we will begin processing it. If it does not, we will contact you and let you know what you must do to complete the request.

Timeframe

We have up to 30 days to provide you with a decision.

Are there other ways to access information?

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

• As part of open and transparent decision-making, we maintain a range of documents for publication or inspection by the public.
• Some information may be available from us or under other laws, either with or without a charge.
• If you require documents for a court hearing or litigation, speak to your legal advisor about other methods available to gain access in those circumstances.

For more information, visit our Freedom of Information Part II Information Statement page below. Additionally, our FOI Officer can help you work out if you need to submit a FOI request.

Need more information?

Further information regarding Freedom of Information can be obtained from Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website.

More information in this section

 

Page last updated:  Tuesday, 8 September 2026 2:13:10 PM