Information Access
What is Information Access?
Accessing government information in NSW is managed under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA Act), that gives the people of NSW a legal right to access most information held by government agencies. This includes things like policies, decisions, reports, and even personal information held by the government about you. The law encourages agencies to make information available without needing a formal request, and only limits access when there’s a strong reason. The law aims to make government more open, fair, and accountable to the public.
If the information you want isn’t already available, you can ask for it informally or submit a formal access application. Agencies must help you find what you’re looking for and explain how to apply. If your request is refused, you can ask for a review or make a complaint. The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) oversees this process and helps ensure that agencies follow the rules. Understanding your right to access government information helps you stay informed and involved in decisions that affect your community.
What is the IPC's role and jurisdiction?
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is an independent statutory authority that administers legislation dealing with privacy and access to government held information in NSW. As part of its regulatory work, the IPC undertakes reviews and complaints in relation to information access and privacy.
The IPC has jurisdiction over NSW government agencies and departments, local councils, NSW universities, NSW state-owned corporations and some private health service providers.
I want to know about...
NSW Information Access Laws
The IPC oversees laws concerning access to government information.
Accessing NSW government information
How do I find government information? How do I make an access application? How do I access my personal information?
Applying for an information access review
If you have asked for an application and you are dissatisfied with the decision, you can ask for a review.
Lodging an information access complaint
Under the GIIC Act, any person may make a complaint to the Information Commissioner about a NSW government agency's actions.
Information access forms
The IPC has a selection of forms to assist members of the public in making an access application or complaint under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
Essential Guidance Toolkit on information access and privacy fundamentals
This toolkit includes fundamental regulatory guidance to ensure that agencies are able to meet their requirements under NSW information access and privacy legislation.
Information Governance Agency Self-assessment Tools
The IPC has produced innovative Information Governance Agency Self-assessment Tools for use by all agencies within New South Wales.
IPC GIPA Tool
The IPC GIPA Tool is a free application to assist all agencies and organisations regulated by the GIPA Act to comply with the legislation when processing and reporting on government information access applications.
GIPA Compliance Reports
The IPC publishes reports about NSW public sector agencies' compliance with the GIPA Act.
Resources for Public Interest Disclosures
The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) provides a system to encourage public officials to report wrongdoings about government information contraventions.
Information access case notes
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) publishes case notes to highlight significant and interesting cases from the IPC's jurisdictions.
IPC e-Learning
The IPC's e-Learning portal contains a number of online training modules to provide training across privacy and government information access legislation.
