Information Awareness Week (IAW) will be held from 16–20 March 2026. Each year, information professionals from across Australia come together during IAW to highlight modern, effective approaches to managing information across all sectors.
The theme for IAW 2026 is ‘IM Professionals Power the AI Ecosystem.’ This theme highlights the vital role that information management specialists play in shaping ethical, transparent, and high‑performing AI systems. Their expertise underpins the integrity, reliability, and accountability of the technologies driving modern decision‑making.
Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to explore how strong information quality, robust governance frameworks, and sound records management practices form the backbone of successful AI initiatives. These principles ensure that AI systems are trustworthy, responsible, and capable of delivering meaningful insights.
Technologies like AI are transforming how government delivers services and manages information. They enable more streamlined and convenient interactions for citizens and can improve access to government-held information.
People in NSW rightly expect that AI is used safely, securely, and in ways that uphold their rights to access information. Citizens should have confidence that emerging technologies support transparency rather than compromise it.
In recognition of IAW, the IPC has highlighted resources that can assist citizens in understanding more about their rights under information access legislation in NSW.
- Open Data guideline
Open data means simply that information an organisation holds that is stored digitally should be made freely available to the community. This is usually done by making a digitised dataset accessible from the organisation’s website. Anyone who accesses and downloads the data is then free to use it, rearrange it and publish it as they wish. They are not restricted in doing so by principles of copyright or original authorship or ownership. - Checklist – Tips for framing your information access application
An agency may refuse to deal with your GIPA application if dealing with the application causes an unreasonable and substantial diversion of resources for the agency. Therefore, it is important that your request for information under the GIPA Act is described clearly and specifically. This will enable an agency to better understand what information you seek and deal with the application. - Simplified guide to information access
This fact sheet can assist citizens in making an application for information to NSW government agencies under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (or GIPA Act). - Information Access Easy English Guides
These fact sheets have been developed to provide members of the public with simple information they need to understand their information access rights. - Animation – e-Governance and Digital Government
Government service delivery in NSW is increasingly digital, and more information is being collected, stored and applied using digital technology. Modern democratic governments allow citizens to participate in decision-making and they must be accountable. - Animation – Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and access
Increasingly, government information is held digitally, and this information and other data is used to make important decisions about services and policies. These decisions can also be made using technology including AI. - Animation – Ways to access government held information in NSW
This animation aims to assist citizens in understanding the four pathways they can take to seek access to information held by NSW public sector agencies. - Informal release of information frequently asked questions
This fact sheet is designed to address issues or questions you may have when considering asking for information from an agency informally or when an agency offers to release information informally.
For more information on IAW and events near you, visit the IAW webpage.
