If you are seeking information that has not already been published by the Department then we may be able to release it to you on request without you having to make a formal application.
This may depend on whether the criteria listed in the bullet points below apply or not.
If you think we may be able to release the information to you informally you can contact us to make an informal request.
Generally, we try to release information we hold without asking for a formal access application.
Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, however, Government agencies are not required to release information without access applications. The Department reserves the right to require access applications to deal with requests for information, particularly if:
- there may be significant public interest considerations that need to be taken into account in deciding whether the information can be released, or
- if you request a large volume of information, or there is another reason the Department may take a significant amount of time to consider your request, or
- if there is third party information involved about which we would have to consult with the third party.