Right to Information
The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) is the New South Wales (NSW) legislation that gives the public a legal right to access government information.
The aim of the 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
- providing that access to government information is restricted only when there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
The GIPA Act creates rights to information that are designed to meet community expectations of more open and transparent government. It encourages the routine and proactive release of government information, including information held by providers of goods and services contracted by government agencies.
HealthShare NSW publish a range of information under the GIPA Act.
The GIPA Act establishes 4 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. This is similar to how Freedom of Information applications were received and processed.
The NSW Ministry of Health manages GIPA Act applications on behalf of HealthShare NSW.
Right to Information Officer
NSW Ministry of Health
Locked Mail Bag 961
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Email: moh-gipa@health.nsw.gov.au
www.health.nsw.gov.au/gipaa/Pages/default.aspx
Requests for personal information
If you believe HealthShare NSW has personal information about you on record – for example, you are a former employee, or you have used our services – you can make a request to receive a copy.
What is personal information?
Personal information is defined under the legislation as information or an opinion about an individual whose identity is apparent or can reasonably be ascertained from the information or opinion.
Personal health information is information or opinion about the health or disability of an individual, an individual’s future healthcare wishes, genetic information, health services provided or which will be provided to the individual and most healthcare identifiers. Charges to access health information are covered by NSW Health’s Health Records and Medical/Clinical Reports - Charging Policy (PD2006_050).
How do I submit a request for personal information?
Send an email with your request to HSNSW-Information@health.nsw.gov.au.
Your request should include your name, contact details, what personal information you want to access and whether you want an electronic or physical version of the document. If you are making the request from a non-NSW Health email you must attach a copy of your ID or request a link to be sent to you so you can upload your ID for verification purposes.
How long will it take HealthShare NSW to process my request?
The time required by HealthShare NSW to process your request will depend on how complex and large your request is. You can request a progress update by emailing HSNSW-Information@health.nsw.gov.au with a copy of your request for personal information.