How to apply for Information
What Information Can I Request?
Information about your personal affairs can be sought by making an application to the agency you believe holds information about you. Otherwise, you have a right of access only to information which came into an agency's records after 1 January 1988.
Information may be in the form of written records, or be stored on computer, or be maps, graphs, photographs and the like.
You will not normally be able to use an FoI application to access information which can be purchased from an agency or inspected in accordance with another Act.
How Can I Make a Request?
- An application can be made on the appropriate form or by letter.
- Your application must be in writing and contain sufficient details to enable the agency to identify the information required.
- Your application should be signed, dated and your postal address together with a contact telephone number should be provided if possible.
- You should also state whether you wish to inspect the documents or to have a copy supplied to you.
Where to Send the Application
To ensure we get your request, please address it as follows:
The Coordinator, Freedom of Information
Office of the Secretary
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO Box 125
HOBART TAS 7001.
Or you can email your application to ots.mailbox@dhhs.tas.gov.au.
If you are not sure if the agency holds the required information, you can ask the agency to provide general details of its records. The agency will then provide you with an outline of the information it contains so that you can narrow your request if desired.
If the information is jointly held by agencies, your request may be transferred to the agency which is best able to deal with it. You will be notified of the agency to which your request has been transferred.