If the information you are seeking is not available on this website and is not otherwise routinely provided by the Department on request, then you have a right to formally apply for access to specific information under the Government Information Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPAA). You can make a formal application by downloading and completing the application form (see below) and sending it to us at the following address:
Public Access to Information Unit
Department of Planning GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001
Under GIPAA we are only able to accept access applications that:
- are in writing and sent to us at the address above
- clearly state you are requesting information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW)
- enclose the $30 application fee
- have a return postal address in Australia as the address for correspondence, and
- include as much specific information as necessary to enable us to identify the information you are asking for.
If your application does not include these five things, it will be invalid and will not be processed. If that happens, however, we will let you know and we will help you, if possible, by explaining how you can make a valid application.
Otherwise we will write to acknowledge receipt of a valid access application within five working days, and will deal with your application within 20 working days (subject to any extension allowed for under the Act). If any extension of time is required to deal with your application, we will let you know in writing.
Application fees and processing charges
The application fee for making an access application is $30. Processing charges can also be imposed at the rate of $30 per hour. In some circumstances an advance deposit can be required. We will let you know in writing if that applies to your application.
Discounts may apply, including on financial hardship and public interest grounds – for more details see the Information Commissioner website.
Access application form
You are not legally required to use any particular form to make an access application (beyond satisfying the five requirements set out above). However the Department has created an application form that you may wish to use for convenience.
Information that is not available in response to an access application
Although an access application may be made for all government information held by the Department, the Department will not release information if there is an overriding public interest against the disclosure of the information.
GIPAA does not allow the release of some document types (see Schedule 1 of the Act). Examples of information that the Department cannot release in response to an access application include:
- Cabinet information (item 2 of Schedule 1 of the GIPA Act);
- Executive Council information (item 3);
- Documents that are subject to Parliamentary privilege (item 4)
Otherwise, the Department will release information in response to a valid access application unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.