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| Freedom of Information
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Freedom of Information
In New South Wales the Freedom of Information Act 1989 allows individuals and organisations to:
- apply to obtain access to information held as records by government agencies such as the NSW Food Authority
- request changes to records of a personal nature that are inaccurate, and
- appeal against a decision not to grant access to information or to amend personal records.
Records can be in a range of forms including certificates, reports, maps, films, photographs, and tape and video recordings.
Not all records are available under freedom of information, FOI.
Documents and other materials that can be exempt from release under FOI include those relating to:
- personal or business affairs of another person
- government cabinet and executive council
- law enforcement and public safety, and
- legal professional privilege.
Decisions made to release or withhold information can be appealed by the person making the application or others with interest in the information.
Before making an FOI application
People considering making an application under FOI are strongly encouraged to first read the guidelines provided by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Fees
The following non-refundable fees apply to FOI:
- a $30 non-refundable fee covers applications for both personal and non-personal records
- in addition there's a $30 per hour processing fee to cover eg, time to locate information, consultation, and photocopying
- for applications for non-personal information, and
- after 20 free hours of processing personal information.
Rebates of 50% are offered:
- where the public interest is demonstrated
- to not-for-profit organisations facing financial hardship, and
- for people with a Health Benefit Card as well as those who are under financial hardship.
Full refunds can be given when there is a significant correction of a personal record, provided the error was the fault of the agency.
How to apply
FOI applications must be in writing.
Forms can be downloaded from http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/our_library/foi/foiapplicationform.pdf or are available from the NSW Food Authority, telephone 1300 552 406.
The address for completed FOI applications is:
Freedom of Information Officer
NSW Food Authority
PO Box 6682
Silverwater NSW 1811
Please enclose a cheque or money order for $30 made out to the NSW Food Authority with the FOI application.
Progress
The NSW Food Authority acknowledges the receipt of FOI applications in writing and provides an estimate of costs and the possible time it will take to process the request.
For more information telephone the NSW Food Authority helpline on 1300 552 406 or email mailto:contact@foodauthority.nsw.gov.au.
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