An important feature of the FoI Act is that you have access to your personal information held by agencies. You can ensure that it is correct and your personal privacy is protected by restrictions on the release of information about your personal affairs to other persons. You are entitled to information of any age held by an agency if it relates to your personal affairs.
Where a person is deceased, the next of kin has the right to obtain, amend or be consulted about information relating to the deceased person's affairs.
Personal Privacy
Everyone has a right to personal privacy. The FoI Act has an exemption which prevents the unreasonable disclosure of information relating to the personal affairs of another person. If someone requests information about your personal affairs, you will be consulted, if at all possible. You will be notified and have the right to appeal against a decision to release your information.
How Can I Amend My Personal Information?
If you believe that information held by an agency about your personal affairs is incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading, you may request amendment of the information.
There are no charges for amending personal information.
A request to amend information must:
- be in writing;
- give an address for notice;
- give details of the information which you believe is incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading; and
- specify the amendments you want made.
You should also supply evidence in support of your request.
Notation of Claims
If an amendment request is refused, you can require the agency to add a notation to the information setting out your claims as to why you believe the information is incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading.