Freedom of Information (FOI)

What is Freedom of Information

Under the NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act), you have a legal right to:

  • Obtain access to information (documents) held by DADHC
  • Request amendments to personal records that are inaccurate
  • Appeal against a decision not to grant access to information or to amend personal records

How to make a request

You need to complete the FOI Application Form and submit your application to the Department.

How to make an appeal

Read more about appealing an FOI decision (pdf, 25K), or download a form to appeal against a decision (MS Word, 67K).

How long does it take

DADHC is required under the FOI law to process your request within 21 days of receipt of your request.

However, if it is necessary to consult any other person or body, or to locate and retrieve the relevant documents from archives, the processing time may be extended for a further 14 days.

Fees and charges

Nature of application

application fee

processing charges

Access to personal records

$30*

$30 an hour after the first 20 hours*

Access to non-personal records

$30*

$30 per hour*

Amendments of records

NIL

NIL

Review of determination

$40*

NIL

* denotes 50% reduction for: under 18 years of age, pensioner, financial hardship or public interest.

How to lodge your application

All applications are to be forwarded to:

Freedom of Information Coordinator
Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care
Level 5, 83 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 82702320
Fax: 82702495
Email: Legal@dadhc.nsw.gov.au

Further information

The Freedom of Information Act 1989 is available from the NSW Government Information Service or libraries or visit the website: www.nsw.gov.au under the heading Legislation. The FOI Act provides for a number of exemptions which are detailed in Sections 22 and 25.

NSW Premier and Cabinet

NSW Ombudsman

Freedom of Information publications

DADHC's Summary of Affairs June 2008