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Access to information
The Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) promotes an open, transparent and accountable Queensland Government, by providing the community with a clearly stated right of access to information held by Government.
In addition, the Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) allows an individual to access and amend ‘personal information’.
The RTI Act commenced on 1 July 2009, repealing the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
If you have been unable to obtain access to information through the website, the Publication Scheme or your normal contact with the department, you may wish to seek access to the document/s through an application under the RTI Act.
Under the RTI Act and IP Act you can request a copy of a document, a part of a document or an extract from a document.
A document can consist of one or more of the following:
- files (including the file number, if you know it);
- working papers including loose paper (eg. post-it notes);
- reports;
- diaries and diary notes;
- computer files and other electronic data (including emails, CDs, DVDs, hard drives);
- maps, charts and plans;
- drafts;
- videos and audio recordings;
- films and photographs; and
- x-rays, MRIs.
How to make an RTI application
To request information held by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), your application must:
- be on the approved form;
- provide sufficient information to identify the documents you want to access;
- provide an address to which notices can be provided;
- include an application fee of $38.00;
- provide certified proof of identity if you are seeking access to your personal information; and
- include a valid authorisation and proof of identity of an agent if a third party is acting on your behalf.
*If your application does not meet these requirements, officers of DEEDI are will assist you to amend the application so that it does comply.
Visit the Queensland Government RTI site, where you can either apply online or download the application form and forward it to:
RTI and Privacy Unit
Department of Employment,
Economic Development & Innovation
PO Box 15216
City East Q 4002
Fax (toll free): 1800 627 469
Fax: +61 7 3239 6119
How much does an RTI application cost?
If your application concerns a document that does not relate solely to your own personal information, you will be required to pay a statutory fee of $38.00 before your application is considered valid.
Non-personal applications may also attract additional processing and access charges. These charges are charged at a rate of $5.80 for each 15 minutes or part thereof for time spent searching, decision making and preparing the documents you have requested. Access charges are charged at a rate of 20c for each A4 black and white page and $5.80 for each 15 minutes or part thereof for inspection of the documents.
RTI application fees and charges are in accordance with the Right to Information Regulation 2009 and are GST exempt.
Processing charges can be waived if the application can be finalised in less than five hours. The department can waive the processing charges associated within an application if an individual holds a current health care card or pensioner concession card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwth), or a pensioner concession card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Cwth).
The Office of the Information Commissioner can decide to waive the processing charges for a non-profit organisation. For more information please contact 07-3005 7155.
How long will it take?
Once your application and all of the requirements (as listed above) are received by the department, the agency must then make a decision about your application within 25 business days. A further 10 business days is added for consultations with third parties pursuant to section 37 of the RTI Act.
How to make an access or amendment application to your own personal information (IP Act)
For information on how to access or amend documents that relate to your personal information please see the DEEDI Information privacy page.
Contact Us
If you need further information or assistance with any part of the RTI application process, please contact:
RTI and Privacy Unit
Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation
GPO Box 15216
City East Q 4002
Ph (toll-free): 1800 061 938
Ph: +61 7 3235 4772
Fax (toll free): 1800 627 469
Fax: +61 7 3239 6119
Email: rti@dme.qld.gov.au