Government Information Public Access
On 1 July 2010, The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) replaced the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW) (FOI Act).
Your rights to access University of Newcastle information are provided in the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW)(GIPA Act).
How to access the University’s information:
1. Search the University of Newcastle's website to see if the
information is already available
General Information
http://www.newcastle.edu.auFaculties and Schools Information
www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/University Staff
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/staff/directoryAnnual Reports
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/annual-reportsRegister of University Contracts
Please click here to view the University ContractsResearch information
Please click here for further informationAgency Information Guide
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/government-information-public-access/publication-guide.htmlDisclosure Log
Disclosure Log - Last Updated August 2012
2. Contact the Complaints and Information Management office
If the information is not on the University’s website, or you cannot locate it, contact the University’s Complaints and Information Management Unit and we will assist you.
We will be able to tell you if the requested information :
- Is information that is already available and how you can access the information;
- Can be made available through a proactive release of information;
- Can be accessed through an informal access request; or
- Requires a formal access request.
Request for Information - FAQs
What will the University do when it receives my request?
The University will acknowledge your request with a receipt of application within five (5) working days.
If the application is valid the receipt of application will also advise the applicant :
- The date by which a decision must be made;
- That an application will be deemed to have been refused if not decided by that date;
- Information about the disclosure log and rights to object to inclusion of details about the application;
- Details of review, as directed by the Information Commissioner.
How long will the University take to decide to release information?
The University must make a decision and notify the applicant of the decision within 20 working days. This time may be further extended by a maximum of 15 days where consultation with a third party is required or information must be retrieved from archived records. The decision can also be extended by agreement with the applicant.
How will I receive the information that I have requested?
If the information you have requested is in written form, the University can advise you when and where you can see the document, or provide you with a copy.
If you have requested access to information that is not in written form, such as video tapes, audio recordings or photographs, the University will make arrangements for you to hear or view the material.
How much will it cost me to request information?
There is an application fee of $30 for formal applications and processing fees may also apply.
The following schedule outlines fees :
|
Nature of Applications |
Application Fee |
Processing Fee |
|
Access to records - personal information |
$30.00 |
First 20 hours free |
|
Access to records - other requests |
$30.00 |
$30.00 per hour |
|
Amendement of records |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Review of determination |
$40.00 |
Nil |
Can I have these fees reduced?
A 50% reduction to the processing fee may be available if :
- the applicant is under 18 years of age
- the applicant can demonstrate financial hardship
- the applicant is a non-profit organisation
- the applicant can demonstrate public interest.
Will I pay GST on fees relating to access to information?
There is no GST payable on fees relating to GIPA.
What if my application for information is refused?
If your request for information is refused, you can appeal that decision in one of three ways, depending on how the original decision was made:
- Internal Review by the University
- External review by the Information Commissioner
- External Review by the Administrative Decision Tribunal
Please contact the University’s Complaints and Information Management Unit for further information and assistance regarding appeals.