Our Information

Accessing our information

Right to Information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act, 2009 (GIPA Act) NSW  (formerly Freedom of Information Act)
The University of Newcastle falls within the jurisdiction of the GIPA. This Act came into effect on 1 July 2010 and replaces the NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989. The Act provides a legally enforceable right for members of the public to obtain access to certain information held by the University and to ensure that records held by the University concerning the personal affairs of members of the public are not incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading. The University is committed to open, accountable and transparent administration. Under the GIPA Act the University will proactively publish information on the University’s website and facilitate the efficient release of information.

The University’s Principal Officer under the GIPA Act is Vice Chancellor Nicholas Saunders.
All formal applications are processed by the Complaints and Information Management unit. http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/complaints-and-information-management


Open Access Information

Under the GIPA Act the University is required to publish a range of open access information which includes:

Proactive Release of Information

The University will proactively release information on the University website and through public access facilities.


Published Information

The University regularly produces publications which are free of charge and deal with information and matters of direct interest to students. These program documents, handbooks, and brochures are available at the University’s Student HUBS.
Detailed information relating to all University matters is published annually in The University's Annual Report, available from the University Library or online at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/annual-reports/


Alumni Information

The University of Newcastle Alumni is established under the University of Newcastle Act and helps graduates to retain a strong voice in the governance and strategic future of the University. The University Alumni holds information relating to graduates of the University, past and present members of University Council, past and present academic staff member and other persons admitted to Convocation.
Further information can be viewed at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/

Access to information held by University Alumni can be obtained through Alumni Relations and can be contacted via the website at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/contact.html


Library Information

The University of Newcastle Library operates through four library buildings and online environment. The University Library holds information relating to and identifying persons entitled to use its services.
Further information and contact details can be viewed online at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/

Donor Information

The University receives philanthropic support from alumni, community, business organisation and industry leaders, via donations, investments and endowments. This philanthropic support is overseen by the University of Newcastle Foundation.
Information relating to donors and further contact information can be viewed on the Foundation’s website at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation/


Research Information

Information relating to research policy development and implementation, research funding, grants and contracts, performance and reporting, monitoring and promoting ethical research, and contact information, can be viewed at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/research-services/


University Archives

The University Archives unit is located in the Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus and holds information dating from 1826. Further information about the Archives unit can be viewed at http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/content.php?pid=100927&sid=757755

Access to information held by the University’s Archives unit can be arranged by contacting Archives unit directly via telephone 02 4921 5354, between Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm.


Informal Release of Information

Information may be released on request, without a formal application if :

  • It is someone’s personal information
  • It does not contain sensitive material or
  • Third party consultation is not required.

Examples of information the University may release informally are:
Information contained in an individual’s own Staff file – Staff members can contact the Human Resources Service Team for their faculty or division.
An individual’s own Student information – Students can contact the Assistant Academic Registrar at the Student Services Centre.
Requests for informal release of information can be made directly to the relevant School, Faculty, Division or unit
Formal Application for Access to information under the GIPA Act

A formal application for access to information may be made when the information is not already available and cannot be provided informally.  These applications are processed by the Complaints and Information Management Office. Enquiries may be made by mail, email, fax or, in office hours, by telephone or in person. Telephone: 02 4921 5806 or Email: gipa@newcastle.edu.au

A Formal Application:

  • Proof or Identity
  • A detailed description of the information sought
  • $30 application fee

Click here for the GIPA formal application form 


Formal Application Fees and Charges

Fees for requests for information fall into two categories – application fees and processing fees.
Application Fees:   A $30 fee covers applications for both personal and non-personal information.
Processing Fees:  Processing fees cover time for locating information, decision making, consultation where necessary and any photocopying.  A fee of $30 per hour covers processing for both personal and non-personal information. However, applicants are entitled to up to 20 hours of free processing time for personal requests. There is no upper limit on fees. Fees relating to requests for information under the GIPA Act are GST-exempt.
Fees may be reduced by 50% if:

  • The applicant is under 18 years of age;
  • The applicant can demonstrate financial hardship
  • The application is on the behalf of a non-profit organisation
  • The applicant can demonstrate public interest.


 Nature of Application  Application Fee  Processing Charge
 Access to records – personal requests  $30*  $30* per hour  after first 20 hours 
 Access to records – other requests  $30*  $30* per hour
 Amendment of records  Nil  Nil
 Review of determination  $40*  Nil

 

 

 

 

* 50% fee reduction may be available if the applicant is under 18 years of age, can demonstrate financial hardship, is a non-profit organisation or demonstrates public interest.


For Further information on the Government Information Public Access Act please contact the Complaints and information Management Office.

Complaints and information Management
Government Information Public Access Act
Phone: + 612 49 21 5806
Fax: + 612 49 21 7151
Email: gipa@newcastle.edu.au

The GIPA Act is regulated by the Office of the Information Commissioner
Phone: 1800 463 626
Fax: 02 8114 3756
Email: oicinfo@oic.nsw.gov.au