Right to Information

Members of the public have the legislated right to access government information. This right is restricted only when, on balance, it would be contrary to the public interest. 

What is government information?

Government information is any record:

• held by the NSW Treasury
• held by a private sector entity or the State Records Authority, to which NSW Treasury has immediate access rights
• in the possession or under the control of a NSW Treasury officer

A record can be any document or other source of information compiled, recorded, or stored in hard copy or electronic form or in any other manner or by any other means. 

What is public access to government information?

Public access to government information means allowing people like you to have to access to government information. 

What is the GIPA Act?

The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act 2009) replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act 1989). Like the FOI Act before it, the GIPA Act 2009 gives you and other members of the public a legally enforceable right to access government information except when, on balance, it would be contrary to the public interest to provide that information.  For more details go to GIPA Act 2009. 

Who is responsible for overseeing the public's right to information under the GIPA Act 2009?

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), an independent statutory body, is responsible for overseeing the public's right to government information under the GIPA Act 2009.  For more details go to Office of the Information Commissioner. 

How can I access government information?

The four pathways open to you to access government information are:
1. Mandatory Open Access
2. Proactive Release
3. Informal Request
4. Formal Request 

What if I have more questions about my right to information?

For more information about your right to government information held by the NSW Treasury, select a link from this page or browse this website using the menu on the left-hand side of the page.