Policies and plans

The GIPA Act 2009 requires NSW government agencies to make certain types of government information publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure. The information is called open access information. 

Section 18 of the GIPA Act and section 5(2) of the GIPA Regulation identifies types of open access information that government agencies are required to make available to the public. 

This includes:

• Agency guide 
• policy documents 
• information formally released under the GIPA Act - Disclosure log (these are maintained by the Department of Planning, Housing Infrastructure)
• government contracts register - contracts with private sector entities valued at $150,000 (inclusive of GST) or more 
• information about the agency contained in any document tabled in Parliament by, or on behalf of the agency - other than any document tabled by order of either House of Parliament
• the agency's record of open access information (if any) that it does not make publicly available on the basis of an overriding public interest against disclosure 
• a list of major assets (other than land holdings) - included in annual reports 
• the total number and value of properties disposed of during the previous financial year - to be included in Annual Reports from 2009-2010
• Guarantee of service 

• Code of ethics and conduct

We will release as much information as possible. However, sometimes this may not be possible, for instance if the information concerns another party's affairs. If you can't find the information provided, please contact us for more information. 

If the information you are after is not publicly available, you may make a formal request through Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. 

There may be public interest reasons why the information may not be released informally, or a third party may need to be consulted in relation to the release of their business or personal information, in which case a formal application will need to be lodged. 

Please note, a $30 application fee is payable on request.  

Informal release

You can ask for specific information (including your personal information) on an informal basis. We will give you a decision as quickly as possible. If we can't provide a final decision within 20 working days, we will let you know when to expect a decision. 

There is no right of review if you are not happy with an informal decision. If you make a formal application for the information, you will then have review rights. Contact us if you need further details. 

For more information on accessing information under the GIPA Act, including personal information, visit the department’s website or the Office of the Information Commissioner.