The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the Act) gives members of the public a legally enforceable right to access information held by the South Australian Government, subject to certain conditions.

Application for access

Applications for access or amendments to documents under the Act must be in writing. This can be in a letter or email or on the request for access application form available on the State Records of South Australia website.  

In accordance with the Act, applications for access or amendments to documents held by Electoral Commission of South Australia must: 

  • specify that the application is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1991
  • be accompanied by the statutory fee ($40.75 by cheque, money order or cash)
    • Exemptions apply for concession holders or for applicants that can demonstrate financial hardship
    • Additional charges may be levied in processing a request, dependent on the nature and complexity 
  • clearly identify the documents being sought or the matter to which they relate 
  • state whether the application is for access or amendment of documents 
  • state whether or not the documents contain information of a personal nature 
  • specify the applicants address 
  • specify the method of access to the document, such as inspection at an arranged time and location, or having a hard or electronic copy provided. 

Applications under the Act should be forwarded to: 

Accredited Freedom of Information Officer 
Electoral Commission SA 
GPO Box 646 
Adelaide SA 5000 

Or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Electoral Commission SA will acknowledge all freedom of information applications within 2 business days.  A determination is generally made within 30 days of receipt however in some cases an extension may be granted and this will be advised in writing.      

Further information

Any enquires about freedom of information applications should be directed to the accredited freedom of information officer on (08) 7424 7400 during business hours or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Further detail on the freedom of information process and application forms can be found on the State Records for South Australia website.

Internal review

If you are not satisfied with a determination, you can request an internal review.  To make an application:

You can write to or send the application to review a decision form to the principal officer within 30 days of receiving your determination and attach the statutory fee of $40.75. 

Applications for an internal review should be forwarded to: 

Electoral Commissioner 
Electoral Commission SA 
GPO Box 646 
Adelaide SA 5000 

Or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

External review

External review by the Ombudsman

After an internal review is completed and you are not satisfied with the decisions, or where you have been unable to apply for an internal review, you can apply for an external review by the Ombudsman.

You may also request an external review by the Ombudsman if you have no right to an internal review.

The application for review by the Ombudsman should be lodged within 30 days after the date of a determination. The Ombudsman’s office, at their discretion, may extend this time limit.

Investigations by the Ombudsman are free.  Further information:

Appeal to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) 

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by Electoral Commission SA or after a review by the Ombudsman, you can appeal to SACAT. 

You must exercise your right of review to SACAT within 30 calendar days after being advised of the determination or the results of the review. Any costs will be determined by SACAT, where applicable. 

Further information: