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Access to Government Information

From 1 July 2010, the new Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW), bringing about the biggest change to rights to government information in NSW in 20 years.

The GIPA Act creates new rights to information  that are designed to meet the community's expectations of more open and transparent government.  It encourages the routine and proactive release of government information, including information held by providers of goods and services contracted by government agencies.

A range of information is available on Council's website, at Council's offices or by contacting the Right to Information Officer, Wayne Halcrow on (02) 6660 0300 or email council@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au. The Officer will either advise where the information is located or request that an Informal Access Request form be lodged with Council.  There is no charge for this request, however appropriate photocopying charges of obtained copies of information will apply as per Council's current Revenue Policy.

The Officer will discuss the method of supply of the information, including the likely timeframe. The public will also be offered the opportunity to inspect and obtain copies of the information from Council's Casino Administration Office between the hours of 8.15am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

Depending on the type of information requested, the Right to Information Officer may  inform an applicant that their access to information will require the lodgement of a Formal Access Request with Council. The applicant will be required to pay an application fee of $30.00 and may be required to pay an additional charge for processing the application at $30.00/hour.

The Publication Guide describes the structure and functions of Council, the various types of information it holds and how people can access that information.

GIPA Disclosure Log

A Disclosure Log is a list of documents released following a decision about an application for access made under the GIPA Act 2009.

What is the purpose of a Disclosure Log?

Disclosure logs provide access to information for people who want the same or similar information as previous applicants, and would otherwise have to make formal access applications.  A disclosure log also helps Council to identify information that could be proactively released.

What information is required to be kept in the Disclosure Log?

The disclosure log must contain the following details:

• the date that the access application was decided,
• a description of the information provided,
• whether any of the information is now publicly available and, if so how it can be accessed.

The disclosure log does not have to include the following information:

• information on applications for personal information regarding the applicant,
• information about applications where factors involving the applicant were a consideration in whether or not the disclosure of the information was in the public interest.

When is information entered into the Disclosure Log?

Details are entered into the disclosure log when the access application has been decided, and any review time limits have expired.

Richmond Valley Council formal access application determinations under the GIPA Act 2009 are published as follows:

  
General information about the GIPA Act is available by calling the Office of the Information Commissioner on freecall 1800 194 210 or at its website: www.oic.nsw.gov.au

Download Forms

Formal Access Request Form (PDF)
(approximate file size: 22Kb)

Informal Access Request Form (PDF)
(approximate file size: 22Kb)