Under the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) and the Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act), every person has a general right to request access to documents held by government agencies. The type of information you are requesting will determine which Act your request is processed under and what fees are applicable.
The following table outlines the differences between applications under RTI Act and IP Act:
|
Request Type |
Which Act? |
|---|---|
|
Request for access to your personal information |
IP Act |
|
Request to amend your personal information |
IP Act |
|
Request for access to any other type of information or document |
RTI Act |
Even though the RTI Act and IP Act give you a right to access information, there are several reasons that may restrict what is released to you, for example the information may be exempt or contrary to the public’s interest such as a document protected by legal professional privilege.
We can also refuse access if the document or information is available elsewhere. We will provide reasons for the decision if access to documents is refused and you will have an option to seek a review of the decision.
If you have been given and obtain access to a document, we may publish the document for others to access through our disclosure log.
How do I apply?
An application under the RTI Act or IP Act must be completed and forwarded to GAWB see below. The application form must contain enough details about the documents being requested to enable GAWB to identify the information sought. An application under the IP Act must also be accompanied by evidence of identity.
|
To request access to documents |
|
|---|---|
|
|
Email your completed RTI and IP application form to gawb@gawb.qld.gov.au |
|
Fax |
Fax your completed RTI and IP application form to the right to information coordinator on 0749 72 5632 |
|
Post |
Post your completed RTI and IP application form to the right to information coordinator at PO Box 466, Gladstone Qld 4680. |
|
To request amendment to your personal information |
|
|---|---|
|
|
Email your completed IP personal information application form to gawb@gawb.qld.gov.au |
|
Fax |
Fax your completed IP personal information application form to the right to information officer on 0749 725632 |
|
Post |
Post your completed IP personal information application form to the right to information officer at PO Box 466, Gladstone Qld 4680. |
Costs
Applications under the RTI Act require an application fee to be paid—currently $38.00. The application fee must be paid regardless of any outcome and cannot be waived. Additional processing and access charges may also apply however, we will advise you if this is the case.
There is no application fee or processing charge applicable under the IP Act. However, you may be required to pay charges for accessing the documents.
Timeframes
GAWB has 25 business days from the date we receive your application to notify you of our decision. If we need to consult with other concerned parties, we have an additional 10 business days to process the application. This is the maximum time limit, however we will aim to process your application as soon as possible. If an application takes longer than 25 business days, we are required to refund the application fee. If GAWB decides to give you to access to a document, you have 40 business days after the date of our decision to obtain access.
Further information
If you would like more detail on right to information and information privacy, email gawb@gawb.qld.gov.au or call us on 0749 763000.
