Accessing information held by government agencies can be challenging without the right guidance. Youngman Consultancy helps individuals and organisations navigate the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA) to obtain the information they are entitled to.

GIPA requires NSW State and Local Government agencies to proactively release information and respond to access applications. We can assist you in identifying the best pathway and managing the process from start to finish.

This page will help you understand your options and guide you in accessing information held by government agencies.

It includes:

1. Where do I start?
An overview of the different types of information agencies are required to make available, as well as additional information they may choose to release.

2. Informal Applications for Information
An introduction to a simpler way of requesting information without the need for a formal application or associated fees.

Where do I Start?  Applying for information.

Before submitting a formal application under the GIPA Act, there are several important steps to consider.

1. Check if the information is already available

Under GIPA, agencies are required to make a significant amount of information publicly available. This is known as Mandatory Disclosure or Open Access Information.

Before applying, you should:

• confirm you have identified the correct agency

• check the agency’s website to see if the information is already available

Look for sections such as:

• “GIPA”

• “Information Available”

• “Right to Know”

2. Find the correct agency

You can locate NSW government agencies via the NSW Government Directory:

• Visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory

• Select “Find by Name A–Z” to browse alphabetically, or

• Use the search bar to enter the agency name

To locate councils, search “Local Government” and navigate to the NSW Local Government Directory.

3. Check for Proactive Release information

In addition to mandatory disclosure, agencies are encouraged to release further information where there is no reason to withhold it. This is known as Proactive Release.

This may include information that is frequently requested, such as:

• travel times

• accident statistics

• service wait times

• general operational data

Check the agency’s website under sections such as:

• “GIPA”

• “Right to Know”

• “Proactive Release”

4. Still can’t find what you need?

If the information is not publicly available, you may need to consider other access options, including a formal GIPA application.