Freedom of Information

What is Freedom of Information?

Freedom of Information (FOI) gives you the right to apply for access to information held by the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources.  It is about enhancing government accountability and participation in our democratic system of government.

What information can I apply for?

Government information means records required to be kept by the Department as evidence of its activities and to support its current business.  It may include hard-copy records, computer records, audio tapes, video tapes and CDs.  It may include personal information about people and information about businesses.  Applications are limited to records held by the Department.

It does not cover knowledge or views held by staff unless they have been recorded.  It does not cover documents that once existed but may have been destroyed.

Compliance with Section 11 of the Information Act

 Information held by DRDPIFR is identified in the attached table.

 How do I apply?

An application form for access to Government or Personal Information is available through the link below.  The Act requires you to provide proof of identity when lodging applications such as a driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate.  Applications by mail should be accompanied by a photocopy of one of these means of identification.

A fee of $30 is required to lodge an application for Government information.  EFTPOS facilities are available at the Territory Business Centres.  Applications by mail should be accompanied by a cheque or money order.  [ Download application to access government (including) personal information]

If you disagree with DRDPIFR’s decision on your application, you are able to request that the decision be reviewed.  The review will be undertaken by a departmental officer who was not the person who made the decision on your first application. [ Download application for internal review of decision]

The Act provides for an appeal to the Information Commissioner, Mr Peter Shoyer, where an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of a review.  Should you wish to raise an issue of concern with the Commissioner’s office, please contact Mr Shoyer’s on 08 8999 1444 or via his website at www.infocomm.nt.gov.au/