1. Website information:
On the Housing NSW website you will find large volumes of information. Housing NSW will manage its release of information in accordance with the GIPA Act. This information will be available through our website at www.housing.nsw.gov.au and other appropriate ways and, free of charge.
Certain information is required by law to be available free of charge under the GIPA Act from our website called “Open Access Information”. This includes the following with links for you to search for the information you are seeking:
In addition, “Open Access Information” also requires Housing NSW by law to proactively release other information unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure. If you are unable to find the information on our website you may contact us. There may be occasions where a fee will be required, on these occasions we will let you know.
2. Informal request:
A person has the right to make an informal request for information if the information you are seeking has not been published. Housing NSW will try and release as much information as possible unless to do so would not be in the public interest. If you are seeking information that is not already on our website and you would like to make an informal request, please contact us.
If you are a client or a tenant of Housing NSW and would like certain information from your file such as a copy of your Residential Tenancy Agreement or correspondence you sent to Housing NSW etc, then you may request for this information as an “Informal Request for Information”. Conditions do apply and further information may be obtained from our policy and Informal Request for Information form.
In accordance with GIPA Act, Housing NSW is not required to release information informally. Housing NSW reserves the right to ask for a formal access application if the work involved is excessive, if there are public interest factors to consider and, deciding if the information can be released.
3. Formal Access Application:
In the event that the information you are seeking is not available on our website and cannot be provided to you as an informal request for information, then you may wish to consider applying for access to the information by lodging a formal access application.
Housing NSW will only accept access applications that contain the following information:
- Must be in writing and sent to the address stated below
- Clearly state the information you are seeking under the GIPA Act
- Application fee of $30.00 in the form of a money order or cheque made payable to Housing NSW
- Must have a return postal address within Australia
- A valid copy of your Health Care Card or Pension Card, if this is applicable to you. Please see below processing fees - and;
- Must include as much specific information to assist us to identify the information you are requesting.
If your application does not include the above mentioned Housing NSW has the right to consider your access application invalid in accordance with Section 41 of the GIPA Act, in the first instance. Housing NSW will advise you and assist you where possible to validate your application.
If your application is considered a valid application Housing NSW will acknowledge receipt of your application within 5 working days. The GIPA Act allows Housing NSW 20 working days to decide your access application unless it is subject to an extension.
Application fees
An access application is subject to a $30.00 application fee.
Processing fees
Housing NSW may impose processing charges at an hourly rate of $30.00 and may require an advance deposit to proceed with your application. If this is applicable to your access application Housing NSW will advise you in writing. However, you may be entitled to a 50% reduction of the processing charges if you:
- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card
- Are a full-time student
- Are a non-profit organisation (including a person applying for or on behalf of a non-profit organisation)
- Are suffering financial hardship, or
- Are applying for information that is of special benefit to the public
For your convenience you may download an Formal Access Application form, you may visit your local Client Service Office, or contact the Right to Information Unit on telephone (02) 8753 8400 or (02) 8753 8386 to obtain a form. If you do not wish to use the access application form you may simply write to us ensuring you have satisfied all of the 6 requirements mentioned above.
Access applications should be sent to:
Manager
Right to Information Unit
Legal Services Branch
Housing NSW
Locked Bag 4001
ASHFIELD BC 1800
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