Last chance to comment on fees for accessing government information

Media release

Media release – Last chance to comment on fees for accessing government information (PDF, 20kb)

Time is running out to have your say on the cost of obtaining government information in New South Wales.

While all government agencies and local councils are able to charge fees to access information requested under the state’s right to information law, practices vary across the state, according to NSW Information Commissioner Deirdre O’Donnell.

“My office is consulting with the community and government on whether the fees and charges being applied to information requests under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) support the aims of open, transparent and accountable government,” Ms O’Donnell said.

Closing at the end of January, the consultation campaign targets government staff, members of the public, non-government organisations and the media.

“The campaign features a consultation paper for staff from government agencies and an online survey for members of the public, representatives of non-government organisations and journalists,” Ms O’Donnell said.

“It is important that we hear both from the people providing the information on behalf of government and those requesting access to information from government agencies.

“We’ve had a high level of feedback since the consultation opened in November, but we’re interested in hearing from as many people as possible before submissions close.”

The deadline for providing feedback to the consultation campaign is Tuesday 31 January 2012.

The Office of the Information Commissioner will publish a report on the result of the consultation in the first half of 2012.

For more information, visit the www.ipc.nsw.gov.au.