Right to Information
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 NSW (GIPA Act)
The GIPA Act establishes a proactive, open approach to gaining access to government information in New South Wales (NSW). The objects of the GIPA Act are to maintain and advance a system of responsible and representative democratic Government that is open, accountable, fair and effective.
The GIPA Act:
- authorises and encourages the proactive release of information by NSW public sector agencies
- gives members of the public a legally enforceable right to access government information
- ensures that access to government information is restricted only when there is an overriding public interest against releasing that information.
The GIPA Act applies to all NSW government agencies, and also extends to Ministers and their staff, local councils, state-owned corporations, courts in their non-judicial functions, and to certain public authorities, such as universities.
The guiding principle of the GIPA Act is public interest. It is generally presumed that all government agencies will disclose or release information unless there is an overriding public interest against doing so. Under the GIPA Act it is compulsory for agencies to provide information about their structure, functions and policies, and agencies are encouraged to release as much other information proactively and informally as possible.
How to access Western Sydney University information
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Search our website
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Contact the relevant School or Divisional Unit to see if the information is already available.
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Open Access Information including our Agency Information Guide, our Disclosure Log and our Register of University Contracts
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Informal release - wherever possible, the University provides requested information informally, without the need of a formal application form. The University may impose reasonable conditions prior to release of the information.
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Requests for informal release of information can be made directly to the relevant school or divisional unit.
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Requests for personal information GIPA does not, in most cases, apply to requests for access to personal information such as your own staff and student records. Such requests are considered in accordance with the access principles set out in the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIPA). If you are seeking access to your own personal records:
- contact the People and Success for your personal employment records or
- contact your School or Student Services Hub for your personal student records or
- if you are unsure, contact the Privacy Officer for guidance.
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Formal Access Application under the GIPA Act
An access application (also known as a formal application) should only need to be lodged as a last resort. Where access applications are needed, the GIPA Act outlines the process that applicants and agencies should follow, as well as the options for reviewing decisions about an access application.
Still not sure how to access Western Sydney University information?
Contact the Right to Information Officer at rti@westernsydney.edu.au.