How does the Freedom of Information Act 1992 ensure access to Government information?
The Freedom of Information Act 1992 has three aims:
Access
The Act gives you the right to apply for access to documents, including those about you held by agencies. There may be an application fee and processing charges. You can inspect and have copies of documents, subject to certain exemptions. If an agency does not give you access to documents you want to see, you have rights of appeal.
Amendment
You can apply for information about your personal affairs to be changed, if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading.
Availability
Agencies, such as the Department of Housing, must produce an annual Statement of Affairs which provides information about their functions and operations. This includes information about their structure, decision-making processes, public participation through boards, councils or committees, and policy documents. You can obtain a copy of the Statement of Affairs from the office of the Freedom of Information Coordinator or view the Statement of Affairs.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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