freedom of information (FOI)
“Freedom of Information”, or FOI, refers to the law which allows all members of the public to access documents held by the Government, including personal records.
This law is set out in the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) 1989. See guidelines for using FOI in NSW.
FOI allows you to:
- access documents held by DoCS
- request amendment to personal records that are inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or out of date
- request additional details to be added to your personal records
- appeal against a decision not to grant access to information or to amend personal records
how to make a request
If you were in out-of-home care or were a ward of the state and you want to access records about your time in care you do not have to apply under Freedom of Information. See more about care leavers.
FOI requests must be in writing. You can use the forms below or write a letter.
- form to access documents
- form to request amendments to personal records
- form to request additions to personal records
- specify that your request is made under the FOI Act
- provide as much information as possible about the documents you wish to see
- identify an address in Australia where the documents should be sent
-
if you are requesting access to documents containing personal information about yourself or your child, provide proof of your identity e.g. a photocopy of your driver’s license, birth certificate, health care card, etc.
- enclose the application fee
Either post your application or deliver it to any DoCS office or directly to the FOI Unit:
4-6 Cavill Ave
Ashfield NSW 2131
DX 21212 Ashfield
Locked Bag 4028
Ashfield NSW 2131
ph: 02 9716 2662
fax: 02 9716 3400
how to make an appeal
See more about appealing an FOI decision, or download a form to appeal against a decision
how long will it take?
DoCS has 21 days to complete applications, however this period may be extended if we have to consult with other people or if documents have to be retrieved from the NSW Government Repository. Some processing charges may also apply.
how much will it cost?
|
nature of application |
application fee |
processing charges |
|---|---|---|
|
access to personal records |
$30* |
$30 an hour after the first 20 hours* |
|
access to non-personal records |
$30* |
$30 per hour* |
|
amendments of records |
NIL |
NIL |
|
review of determination |
$40 |
NIL |
* denotes 50% reduction for: under 18 years of age, pensioner financial hardship or public interest.
non-English speaking applicants
DoCS will accept FOI applications written in a language other than English, although any documents requested from DoCS will be provided ‘as is’ – it is up to the applicant to have such documents translated, at his or her expense.
If viewing documents at a DoCS office, the applicant may invite a third person to act as interpreter, however DoCS will require prior written authorisation for this third person to be present.
care leavers
If you were formerly in out-of-home care or a ward of the stateyou do not have to apply under FOI to access the department’s records about your time in care.
Files may be viewed at a Community Services Centre under the supervision of a DoCS officer.
This is a free service and the office will provide support and explain the information on the file.
As a care leaver you can obtain a copy of documents relating to you, as well as original personal documents such as birth certificates, baptismal certificates, school and medical records and correspondence addressed to you.
For those care leavers who now live interstate it is necessary to lodge a written request to DoCS Freedom of Information Unit at Head Office. This information will be provided to you free of charge.
See more in are you a former ward?
