Freedom of Information (FOI)
How does it work?
The New South Wales Freedom of Information (FOI) Act enables a member of the public to apply to inspect or obtain a copy of documents held by State Government agencies and public bodies. Such agencies include: Government departments, local councils, universities, public hospitals and regulatory bodies.
The Act also provides for a person to apply to amend certain records concerning personal affairs, if they are considered to be incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.
FOI applications are handled by the respective agency or body which holds the documentation sought. The Office of Fair Trading can only deal with applications for access to documents held by the Office of Fair Trading.
Top of pageHow to make a FOI request
FOI application forms are available from all Fair Trading Centres or can be downloaded from this page. A written request is also acceptable provided it specifies the information is sought under the FOI Act and an address in Australia where the documents can be sent.
FOI Request Form
Download the FOI Request form in PDF format (size: 61k)
Applications are accepted at any office of the Office of Fair Trading or may posted to the:
Coordinator, Freedom of Information
Office of Fair Trading
1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
or PO Box 972 Parramatta, NSW 2124
or DX 28437 Parramatta
Charges
Charges fall into two categories - application fees and processing fees. A $30.00 fee covers FOI applications for both personal and non personal information.
Processing fees cover time for locating the information, decision-making, consultation where necessary and any photocopying. A $30.00 per hour fee covers processing for both personal and non personal information. However, requests about your personal affairs attract 20 hours free processing time. Inquiries may be directed to the Coordinator, FOI by telephone on 9338 8947.
Summary of Affairs
The Freedom of Information Act 1989 requires an agency to produce a Summary of Affairs every six months. The Summary contains a list of policies concerning the functions of the Office of Fair Trading that have a direct impact on members of the public. The Summary also provides a list of those officers who can be contacted to obtain a copy of these policies.
View or download Summary of Affairs June 2008 in PDF format (size: 26k)
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