Freedom of Information
What is Freedom of Information (FOI)?
The NSW Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives individuals legally enforceable rights to access documents held by NSW Government agencies, Ministers, local governments and other public bodies. The FOI Act also gives individuals the right to amend inaccuracies in their personal records, which may be incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out-of-date.
The FOI Act helps to ensure that NSW Government agencies and other public bodies operate in an open, transparent and accountable manner. At the same time, the FOI Act places limits on applicants' rights to make FOI applications and to access certain documents, data or information. For example, a NSW Government agency has the right to refuse an application if documents are publicly available or if the request would be an unreasonable diversion of its resources.
Additionally, the FOI Act specifically exempts documents from release if they would unreasonably disclose someone's personal or business affairs or contain confidential information, Cabinet deliberations, among other grounds for exemption.
It is highly recommended that applicants contact the FOI Coordinator at the NSW Department of Health (DoH) to assist them in formulating an FOI application - please refer to contact details below.
How do I make an FOI application?
There are two main requirements in making an FOI application:
1. The application must be in writing
2. It must include a $30 application fee - or $15 for those suffering financial hardship, which is made payable to the "NSW Department of Health".
Applicants are not required to complete a specific application or request form. However, applicants may use the application form developed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) .
It is highly recommended that applicants contact the NSW Department of Health FOI Coordinator to help formulate an FOI application.
Where can I access my medical records?
The DoH does not hold individuals' medical records. If you want to obtain copies of medical records held by a public hospital or agency in NSW, you would need to make an FOI application directly to the NSW Health Area Health Services , Children's Hospital Westmead or Justice Health AHS Contacts.
Where can I find out more about FOI matters?
The Department of Premier & Cabinet has a number of resources about FOI applications, reviews and appeals. The updated FOI Manual provides a comprehensive overview of FOI practice, as well as guidelines for agencies dealing with FOI issues. This resource can also assist applicants to focus their FOI applications and requests.
What if I have any questions?
Please contact the DoH FOI Coordinator on (02) 9391 9703. You can also write to the DoH FOI Coordinator, c/- LMB 961 NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059.
| Area Health Service - Agencies |
Addresses (C/- FOI Coordinator) |
Telephone Numbers |
| Ambulance Service NSW | Locked Bag 105 Rozelle NSW 2039 | 9320 7606 |
| New Chldren's Hospital (Westmead) | Locked Bag 4001 Westmead NSW 2145 | 9845 2849 |
| Greater Southern | PO Box 1845 Queanbeyan NSW 2620 | 6933 9101 |
| Greater Western | PO Box 4061 Dubbo NSW 2830 | 6841 2318 |
| Hunter & New England | Locked Bag 1 New Lambton NSW 2305 | 6592 9777 |
| North Coast | Locked Bag 11 Lismore NSW 2480 | 6620 2125 |
| Northern Sydney Central Coast | Locked Bag 2915 Central Coast Business Centre NSW 2255 (or)Level 4 Executive Area Royal North Shore Hospital Pacific Highway St Leonards NSW 2065 |
4320 3351 (Medical Records) 4320 3220 (FOI Matters) |
| South Eastern Sydney Illawarra | Locked Mail Bag 8808 South Coast Mail Centre 2521 | 4253 4864 |
| Sydney South West |
Locked Bag 7017 Liverpool BC 1871 Area Human Resources Liverpool Hospital (Eastern Campus)Locked Bag 7017Liverpool BC NSW 1871 |
9828 6063 |
| Sydney West | PO Box 63 Penrith NSW 2751 | 4734 3361 |
| Justice Health | PO Box 150 Matraville NSW 2036 | 9289 2869 |
| Healthquest | Level 13/59 Goulburn Street Sydney NSW 2000 | 9289 7700 |