Freedom of information

The University is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (South Australia). Under the Act, the Vice-Chancellor, as the principal officer of the University, is responsible for compliance with the legislation.

The Vice-Chancellor designates senior staff who have been trained in accordance with the Act as 'accredited Freedom of Information (FOI) officers' under the Act. FOI officers will handle applications for access to University documents. General oversight of FOI is the responsibility of the Registrar.

The University has developed a Freedom of Information Policy consistent with the FOI Act. The University encourages transparency and understanding of decision-making at all levels, and recognises the rights of individuals to access information through a range of mechanisms, in addition to implementing the FOI provisions.

These include:

• the Policy on Access to Student Information
• the publication and distribution of University Policy and Procedures in hard copy and on the web
• the annual publication of the Statement of Affairs (as required under the FOI Act). It describes the structure of the University, the range of documents held by the University and how they can be accessed.

 
To gain access to a document held by the University contact the relevant administrative division in the first instance. It might not be necessary to use the FOI Act to obtain the information.

What documents may be made available under FOI?

The FOI Act applies to any document in the possession, or under the control, of the University. Such a document may have been created by the University or elsewhere. Documents are in the possession or under the control of an officer of the University in that person's capacity as an employee of the University.

Documents include:

• written information
• information stored in a computer or by other electronic means
• audio and video tapes, films
• information in shorthand writing or in codified form
• whole or part(s) of a document
• committee records
• informal handwritten notes or handwritten annotations

Advice and information 

For advice and information, contact in the first instance:

Ms Bronwyn Simondson, Registrar

Tel: (+61 8) 8201 2490

Email: bronwyn.simondson@flinders.edu.au

A FOI Officer will be nominated to assist you to exercise your rights under the FOI law. Talking to the FOI Officer before you make an application may help shorten the process.