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FOI
What is Freedom of Information (FOI)?
In NSW, the Freedom of Information Act 1989 gives you the legal right to:
- Obtain access to information held as records by State Government Agencies, a Government Minister, local government and other public bodies
- Request amendments to records of a personal nature that are inaccurate
- Appeal against a decision not to grant access to information or to amend your personal records.
The Department of Lands is required to maintain several public registers by law. Further information is available about public registers.
How do I request Information?
You may complete a Department of Lands FOI/Privacy Application Form, which can be downloaded below, or you may apply in writing supplying all the details of the documents required, under the Freedom of Information Act 1989, with the appropriate fee.
| Nature of Application | Application Fee | Processing Charge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to records - personal requests |
$30 * | $30 / hour after first 20 hours * | ||
| Access to records - other requests |
$30 * | $30 / hour * | ||
| Amendment of records | nil | nil | ||
| Review of Determination/Conduct (other circumstances) |
FOI - $40 * Privacy - nil |
nil |
* A 50% reduction will be granted where proof is provided: to the holder of a Pensioner Health Benefit Card (or persons with equivalent income) and to persons under the age of 18 years and to a non-profit organisation demonstrating financial hardship or where a demonstrated public interest is involved. Where significant correction of personal records results from an FOI/Privacy request and where the error was not due to the persons fault, a 100% reduction will be granted.
* No GST is payable on FOI fees. GST is payable on Privacy fees.
# Where amendment of the Register of Land Titles and valuation is sought please refer to Request form (11R).
Further information concerning Land's procedures, fees and reductions in fees can be obtained from the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator at the Department of Lands on T: 02 9236 7773.
Consultation with Third Parties
Where a request is received under the FOI Act for documents concerning the personal or business affairs of a third party (i.e. someone other than the applicant) or a document has been prepared by a third party including another government, individual or business, the Department is required to take reasonable steps to contact and consult with the third party to obtain their views as to whether or not the document is exempt under a particular provision of the Freedom of Information Act.
The requirement exists so that documents which contain sensitive personal or business information are not disclosed without careful consideration.
Should third party consultation be required, the usual period of 21 days for processing an application may be extended by a further 14 days in order to undertake the consultation.
Address for Applications
Send applications to:
Freedom of Information Coordinator
Department of Lands
Level 3
1 Prince Albert Road
Queens Square
SYDNEY NSW 2000
To download an application form or for more information
- FOI / Privacy Form in PDF format.
- FOI Guidelines
- Link to the Freedom of Information Act 1989
