You have the right to access certain government information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act). The objective of the GIPA Act is to make government information more accessible to the public by:

  • requiring government agencies to make certain sorts of information freely available
  • encouraging government agencies to release as much other information as possible
  • giving the public an enforceable right to make access applications for government information, and
  • restricting access to information only when there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.

Make an application for information (GIPA Act)

Apply Online

You can apply for Access to Information online through the NSW Police Force Community Portal.

Apply By Post Or Hand

You can apply for Access to Information via post by following the instructions below.

An application must:

  • be in writing;
  • specify that it is made pursuant to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009;
  • be accompanied by a fee of $30.00 (cheque or money order, enclosed and payable to the NSW Police Force);
  • specify the documents requested or provide sufficient information as is reasonably necessary to enable the documents to be identified;
  • specify the name of the applicant and a postal or email address, as the address for correspondence in connection with the application;
  • be sent to the NSW Police Force by post to:
    NSW Police Force, InfoLink Unit, Locked Bag 5102, PARRAMATTA  NSW  2124, or
    be lodged by hand at Police Headquarters, 1 Charles Street Parramatta NSW.

If an application does not satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, it will be invalid and cannot be processed. In such circumstances, you as the applicant will be advised and InfoLink will provide you with advice and assistance, as is reasonable to assist you to make a valid application.

While not a requirement, any contact number you can provide may assist InfoLink to deal with your application should there be a need for clarification or consultation.

InfoLink will acknowledge receipt of a valid access application within 5 working days after it is received and will deal with an application within 20 working days (subject to any extension allowed for under the Act). If any extension of time is required to deal with an application, InfoLink will let you the applicant know in writing.

To make your application by post please complete and provide the following:

  • Access Application Form (PDF)
    If you are unable to open this form in your web browser, please download a copy of the form to your device, and then try opening it from the device.
    To download this document from a desktop browser, right-click and select "Save Link As..." or "Save Target As...".
  • Proof of Identity
    If requesting personal information, proof of identity is required. Driver's Licence, Passport or other government issued photo identification is acceptable.
  • Authority to Act form
    If requesting another person's personal information with their consent, Section 3 of the Access Application Form must be completed by that other person. Alternatively, the Authority to Act form can be completed. Important - the other person's proof of identity is also required to accompany the form.

Request an Internal Review of a Decision already made (GIPA Act)

If you disagree with a decision made about an information access application you have made, you may be able to apply for an internal review of that decision.

Apply Online

You can apply for an Internal Review online through the NSW Police Force Community Portal.

Apply By Post Or Hand

You can apply for an Internal Review by post by following the instructions below.

  • Complete the Internal Review Application Form (PDF);
  • Ensure your application is accompanied by a fee of $40.00 (cheque or money order, enclosed and payable to the NSW Police Force), unless an application fee is not required (see further information about fees below);
  • Send your application to the NSW Police Force by post to:
    NSW Police Force, InfoLink Unit, Locked Bag 5102, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124, or
    Lodge your application by hand at Police Headquarters, 1 Charles Street Parramatta NSW.
  • Ensure your application is made within the allowed statutory time frame (see further information about time frames below);

What is the time frame for seeking an internal review?

You have 20 working days from the date the decision is given to you to ask for an internal review, unless you are asking for an internal review of a decision to refuse to deal with an access application because the agency did not decide the access application within time (a deemed refusal), in which case the 20 working days start from the date the decision was deemed to have been made (the day it became overdue).

What is the cost for an internal review?

You will need to pay a $40 fee for an internal review unless:

  • you are asking for an internal review of a decision to refuse to deal with an access application because the agency did not decide the access application within time (a deemed refusal), in which case no fee is payable;
  • or the internal review was recommended by the Information Commissioner.