On 1 July 2010 new Right to Information legislation came into effect, replacing the former freedom of information law.
The new law:
- creates new rights to information that are designed to meet community expectations of more open and transparent government
- encourages government agencies to proactively release government information.
You can find out more about your right to information and new ways to access NSW government information on the Information and Privacy Commission NSW website.
Accessing our agency's information
Our agency publishes a range of information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, including our policies, our agency's publication guide, a disclosure log of information applications (GIPA disclosure log), details of information not disclosed to the public and our register of government contracts.
The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) replaced the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act) 1989 on 1 July 2010.
The aim of the new Right to Information law is to maintain and advance a system of responsible and representative democratic government that is open, accountable, fair and effective. The object of the GIPA Act is to open government information to the public by:
- authorising and encouraging the proactive release of government information by agencies;
- giving members of the public an enforceable right to access government information; and
- providing that access to government information is restricted only when there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
The GIPA Act establishes four ways for the public to access government information.
- Open Access Information (aka Mandatory Release) - Certain information must be published on an agency's website, and available free of charge, including policy documents, a disclosure log of information released and refused under the GIPA Act, and a register of government contracts.
- Proactive Release - Agencies are encouraged to take the initiative to release as much government information as possible, in an appropriate manner and free of charge, or at lowest reasonable cost.
- Informal Release - Agencies are encouraged to release information on request without the need for a formal access application, subject to any reasonable conditions.
- Formal Access - In some circumstances, access to information will require formal access applications and a fee.
GIPA application
How do I make a formal access application?
Applications for formal access to documents must be in writing using the downloadable Access Application Form (PDF, 2181.67 KB).
The application must:
- be in writing
- specify that it is made pursuant to the GIPA Act
- be accompanied by the fee through the payment portal
- specify the documents required or provide information as is reasonably necessary to enable the documents to be identified
- specify the name of the applicant and a postal or email address, as the address for correspondence in connection with the application
- lodged with NSW Ambulance electronically or by hand.
If an application does not include these five things, it will be invalid and will not be processed. If that happens we will advise you and assist, if possible, by explaining how a valid application can be made. Please provide a contact number should there be a need for clarification or consultation.
Please note that if you are seeking information on behalf of another person (e.g. your client), you will need to provide a notice of authority signed by that person (your client) which authorises access. You may use the downloadable Notice of Authority (PDF, 118.97 KB) for this purpose.
Please note that if you are seeking a triple zero call recording, you will need to provide an authority signed by the triple zero caller. Please email your completed application form to AMBULANCE-GIPA@health.nsw.gov.au
Request for NSW Ambulance staff personnel records
NSW Ambulance staff members may seek their own personnel records. To do so, please make your request in writing and do not use the GIPA access application form. If you are seeing personnel records on behalf of a NSW Ambulance staff member, please provide an authority signed by the staff member.
Please email your request to AMBULANCE-LegalServices@health.nsw.gov.au (the request must be sent to this email address only).
GIPA further information and contact details
Phone
0409 657 454 (9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Email
AMBULANCE-GIPA@health.nsw.gov.au
Information and Privacy Commission
General Information about accessing government information under the GIPA Act is available from the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC).
Mail
The Information and Privacy Commission
GPO Box 7011, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone
1800 472 679 (9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Website
www.ipc.nsw.gov.au