Access to information

The public has a legal right to be provided with access to government information in accordance with Part 4 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) unless there is an overriding public interest against its release.

The GIPA Act establishes four ways to access information:

  • open access
  • proactive access
  • informal access
  • formal access

State Records NSW facilitates access to government information as outlined in the sections below. Further information regarding State Records NSW’s approach to the provision of access is available via our Access to Information (GIPA) Policy.

Please note that this page applies to accessing information held by State Records NSW only. State Records NSW does not hold records of other NSW Government agencies or records that have been transferred to the State Archives Collection.

For access to records within the State Archives Collection, please contact MHNSW directly by emailing collections@mhnsw.au

Open Access Information

State Records NSW publishes a range of open access information in compliance with section 18 of the GIPA Act. This includes our:

  • Agency Information Guide 
  • Corporate Policies
  • Register of government contracts 
    • In keeping to the provisions of section 27 of the GIPA Act, State Records NSW does not currently have any contracts valued at $150,000 or more.
  • Disclosure log of formal access applications
    • State Records NSW does not currently have any formal access applications to report.
  • Information about the agency contained in any document tabled in Parliament by or on behalf of State Records NSW:
    • State Records NSW Annual Report 2023/2024, found here
    • State Records NSW Annual Report 2022/2023, found here
    • State Records NSW is the successor agency to the State Archives and Records Authority (SARA). SARA annual reports are available on the OpenGov website, found here
    • Standing Committee on Social Issues inquiry into the State Records Act and the Paper on its review

State Records NSW does not hold any open access information that it does not make publicly available on the basis of an overriding public interest against disclosure.

Before submitting an access application, it is highly recommended that you contact governance@mhnsw.au to confirm whether the information you are seeking is already publicly available.

Proactive Release of information

State Records NSW will also proactively release other information free of charge. The program for proactive release is reviewed at least every 12 months. Information provided under proactive release may include:

Informal release

If the information you seek has not been published, we may be able to release it to you on an informal basis. Our colleagues at Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) manage access to information applications on behalf of State Records NSW. Contact governance@mhnsw.au to make a request for informal release.

You will be provided with a decision about your informal request as soon as possible. If we are not able to make a decision within 20 business days, we will contact you to let you know when you can expect one.

Under the GIPA Act, government agencies are not required to grant an informal access request. State Records NSW reserves the right to require you to lodge a formal access application.

Making a formal access application

If the information you seek has not been published or is not available by informal request, you may wish to make a formal access application.

A person who makes a formal access application has a legally enforceable right to be provided with access to information in accordance with Part 4 of the GIPA Act unless there is an overriding public interest against its release.

To be considered, formal applications must:

  • be made in writing
  • clearly state that the request is being made pursuant to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009
  • enclose a $30 application fee (EFT, money order or cheque)
  • have a return postal address or email address for correspondence
  • include as much specific information as necessary to enable us to identify the information you are asking for.

To make a formal application, complete the Government information access form (PDF)  and submit it to governance@mhnsw.au or mail it to:

Governance Team

Museums of History NSW

The Mint

10 Macquarie Street

SYDNEY, NSW, 2000

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within five working days. Your application cannot be processed if it does not meet the above requirements. In this event, we will provide you with advice on how to make a valid application.

Your application will be dealt with within 20 working days, subject to any extensions allowed for under the GIPA Act. We will let you know if any extension of time is required to deal with your application.

Application fees and processing charges

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

Certain discounts may apply, including for reasons of financial hardship and public interest. For more details see the Information and Privacy Commission website.

Support and resources

If you have any questions regarding access to State Records NSW information or you require advice and assistance, please contact governance@mhnsw.au.

External resources

For more information and resources around the GIPA Act, please contact the Information and Privacy Commission NSW: