Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act), certain information must be made easily available to the public. 

Information available to the public 

This is known as ‘open access information’. It includes information about: 

Informal request access to information 

If the information you are after has not already been published, we may be able to release it to you informally. The Governance team at Museums of History NSW currently manage GIPA requests for State Records NSW. You can informally request information by emailing mailto:governance@mhnsw.au.   

In some cases, we may require you to lodge a formal access application. For example: 

  • if there are significant public interest considerations that need to be considered in deciding whether information can be released 

  • if you request a large volume of information 

  • if it would take a significant amount of time to consider and respond to your request.  

Generally, we try to release information without a formal access application, unless there are good reasons to require one. 

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 you can expect one.

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. 

Make a formal access application 

If the information you are seeking is not available on this website and is not otherwise routinely provided by State Records NSW, on request, then you have a right to formally apply for access to specific information. 

You may submit a formal application by downloading and completing the Government information access form (PDF) and sending it to us: 

Email 
Send the form as an attachment to:  
mailto:governance@mhnsw.au
EFT options for payment are on the access form. 

OR 

Mail 
Post the printed form to: 
Right to Know Officer 
State Records NSW 
PO Box 516 
Kingswood NSW 2747 

Important information: 

The GIPA Act states that we are only able to accept access applications that: 

  • are in writing and sent to us by either email or post 

  • clearly state you are requesting information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 

  • enclose the $30 application fee (EFT, money order or cheque) 

  • have a return postal address as the address for correspondence, and 

  • include as much specific information as necessary to enable us to identify the information you are asking for. 

If your application does not meet these five requirements it will be considered an invalid application and will not be processed. We will let you know if that happens, and we will help you, if possible, by explaining how to meet these requirements. 

Otherwise you will receive acknowledgment of receipt within 5 working days, and we will deal with your application within 20 working days (subject to any extensions allowed for under the GIPA Act). If any extension of time is required to deal with your application, a governance representative will let you know in writing. 

Application fees and processing charges 

The application fee for making an access application is $30. Processing charges can also be imposed at the rate of $30 per hour. An advance fee may be required in some circumstances. We will let you know in writing if that applies to your application. 

Certain discounts may apply, including financial hardship and public interest grounds. For more details see the Information and Privacy Commission’s Fact Sheets. 

Where can I get further information? 

Further information can be obtained from the Information and Privacy Commission of NSW.  

The Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) has been established as part of the right to information system and is led by the Information Commissioner. The role of the IPC is to promote public awareness and understanding of the right to information law and provide information, support, advice, assistance and training to agencies and the general public. 

To contact the IPC: 

  • Call 1800 472 679, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays) 

Back to top