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Access ACT Government information

Find out how to access information, including checking if it's on our website, asking us for it, or making a Freedom of Information request.

Check if the information is online

The ACT Government publishes a range information online. For example, you can find:

  • contracts awarded by the ACT Government
  • public notices and media releases
  • open data sets which you can use and share
  • annual reports and financial statements
  • Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure logs containing FOI applications, decisions and released information (excluding personal information).

Ask us for the information

If the information you need isn’t available online, you may be able to access it by asking us. You can:

You can also check the list of common requests for personal information.

Requests for personal information

You can ask us for a copy of your personal information in a few ways. It is also possible to request information for another person, providing you can prove that you’re authorised to access this information.

Common requests for personal information

You can request a range of personal information without making an FOI request:

If you’re unsure what to request, you can submit an FOI request.

Asking for your personal information

You must provide proof of your identity when asking for a copy of your personal information.

This can be one of the following:

  • driver licence
  • proof of identity card
  • proof of age card
  • working with vulnerable people card
  • passport
  • another form of photo ID.

Correcting personal information

If you believe we hold information about you or someone else that is incomplete, incorrect or out-of-date, you can ask us to correct it.

Your request must be in writing and include:

  • enough detail for us to identify the information you want corrected
  • state how it is incomplete, incorrect, outdated or misleading
  • state the changes needed
  • include an email or postal address so we can contact you
  • proof of your identity.
  • Proof that you are allowed to act on behalf of another person (if applicable).

Send your request by contacting a directorate FOI team or submiting an FOI request.

If we do not agree to change your information, we will let you know.

Access information through an FOI request

If you cannot get the information you need, you can submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2016, you can:

  • access government information unless releasing it is not in the public interest
  • ask us to correct personal information if it is incomplete, incorrect, out-of-date or misleading
  • request a review if we refuse access to information or do not amend your personal information.
Information where access may be limited 

The law restricts what information we can release.

We may not provide information that could reasonably:

  • reveal personal or confidential information about someone else
  • affect police work, criminal investigations or public safety
  • expose business secrets or financial details
  • contain confidential government discussions, including Cabinet deliberations
  • include legal advice or discussions with a lawyer
  • risk national security or international relations.
Costs

There is no fee to submit an FOI request.

In rare cases a processing charge may apply. These charges are set in the Freedom of Information (Fees) Determination published on the ACT Legislation Register. We’ll tell you before any charge is added and explain how was calculated.

You will not be charged if:

  • your request is for your personal information
  • the information was previously publicly available
  • you have a valid concession card and the information you’re requesting is relevant to your rights, interests or situation
  • your application relates to the activities or purpose of a not-for-profit organisation you represent
  • you're a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Submit an FOI request

You can submit your FOI request:

If the information isn’t available online, or you’re unsure what to ask for, you can still submit an FOI request. This request will be directed to the right FOI team who will help you refine your request.

You can also contact any FOI officer, from the FOI contacts list.

After you apply

If you submit your request using the FOI request form, you will be able to download a pdf version of your application. It will include:

  • an application number
  • date of form submission
  • your responses to form questions
  • the directorate your application has been sent to
  • a contact email address for the responsible directorate.

After you submit a valid form or email a Directorate FOI team with your request, you will receive a confirmation within 10 working days.

It will include:

  • the date we received your application
  • confirmation of the details of your application
  • information about how to contact us
  • an estimate of the charges (if applicable)
  • the date we will respond by.

If your application is incomplete, we will tell you how to correct it. If you do not give us the missing information, we may not be able to process your application. If this happens, we will write to you to explain why.

How long does it take

We’ll decide within 30 working days if we can give you the information.

It can take longer if:

  • we need to consult with other people or organisations (up to 15 extra working days)
  • your request is complex or large.

We will contact you if we need more time to process your request.

How we decide your FOI request

We will review your request and decide to either:

  • give you the requested information
  • confirm we do not have the information you’re requesting
  • refuse access, if releasing the information is not in the public interest
  • refuse to process the request, if it does not meet FOI requirements
  • refuse to confirm or deny the information exists, if saying we hold it could risk someone’s safety, limit their rights under the Human Rights Act 2004, or affect a criminal investigation.

We will send you our decision and any information that we’ve approved for release.

If we refuse access, we will write to you to explain:

  • why we have not given you certain information
  • how you can request a review of our decision.

Review of an FOI decision

You can ask the ACT Ombudsman to review our decision about:

  • your FOI request to access information or change a personal record
  • a document we released that affects you.

If you disagree with the Ombudsman's decision, you can request a review from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

FOI contacts

If you need help or advice, you can call or email us.

Canberra Health Services

To apply or contact us:

Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

To apply or contact us:

  • Call 02 6207 7754
  • Email cmteddFOI@act.gov.au
  • Post: FOI Coordinator, Chief Minister, Treasury, and Economic Development Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601.

City and Environment Directorate

To contact us:

  • Call 02 6207 2987
  • Email CEDFOI@act.gov.au
  • Post: Freedom of Information Request, City and Environment Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.

Digital Canberra

To apply or contact us:

Education Directorate

To apply or contact us:

Health and Community Services Directorate

To contact us:

Infrastructure Canberra

To contact us:

  • Email iCBR.FOI@act.gov.au
  • Post: Freedom of Information Requests, Infrastructure Canberra, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Justice and Community Safety Directorate

To apply or contact us:

Office of the Legislative Assembly

To apply or contact us:

Other bodies
City Renewal Authority
Suburban Land Agency
Canberra Institute of Technology
Cultural Facilities Corporation