Information Commissioner statement relating to the release of documents by NSW Police
The Information Commissioner is aware of recent media relating to the release of redacted documents by NSW Police in response to an application to obtain information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
The Information Commissioner’s statutory role under the GIPA Act includes promoting public awareness and understanding of the; providing information, advice, assistance and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act.
The GIPA Act also provides the Information Commissioner with the power to review the decisions of agencies and make recommendations to them regarding their decisions including that they reconsider the decision. Whilst Information Commissioner reports are published with the consent of parties the Information Commissioner does not comment on applications made for review of agency decisions.
The GIPA Act ensures that access to government information is restricted only when there is an overriding public interest against releasing that information.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
The Manager, Communications and Corporate Affairs on 0435 961 691 or email communications@ipc.nsw.gov.au
About the Information and Privacy Commission:
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is an independent statutory authority that administers New South Wales’ legislation dealing with privacy and access to government information. The IPC supports the Information Commissioner and the Privacy Commissioner in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities and functions and to ensure individuals and agencies can access consistent information, guidance and coordinated training about information access and privacy matters.
About the NSW Information Commissioner
The NSW Information Commissioner’s statutory role includes promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); providing information, advice, assistance and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act.
The Government Information (Information Commissioner) Act 2009 (GIIC Act) establishes the procedures for appointing the Information Commissioner and sets out the Commissioner's powers and functions. It outlines the method for people to complain about the conduct of agencies when undertaking their duties under the GIPA Act, and the way in which the Information Commissioner may deal with the complaint. The GIIC Act also enables the Information Commissioner to investigate and report on how agencies carry out their functions under the GIPA Act.
For further information about the IPC visit our website at www.ipc.nsw.gov.au
