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The information on this page outlines the process and timeframes involved in lodging a Right to Information (RTI) or Information Privacy (IP) application, as well as how to amend a submitted application.

Before lodging your application:

Lodging an Information Access Application

  • Before lodging an access application under the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) or Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act), it is recommended that you check whether the information required is accessible via Council's website, Online Services or Publication Scheme.
  • If the information required is not accessible though these avenues an application under the RTI or IP should be lodged.
  • Follow the steps set out below to apply for access to documents under the RTI Act or IP Act:
    • Read the complete RTI and IP access application form carefully ensuring you provide all the information required, including your name, address and details of the documents you seek. Please provide enough information about the documents you are seeking to enable us to locate them.
    • Failure to complete the application form fully may result in your application being considered non-compliant.
    • The Office of the Information Commissioner website provides examples of personal information.
    • If the application is for documents that contain your personal information, a certified copy of identification must be provided otherwise your application will be considered non-compliant.  This protects your information being released to another person without your consent. Documents that provide sufficient evidence of identity include:
      • Current driver licence
      • Identifying page of current passport
      • Birth certificate
      • Copy of prisoner ID card (certified by corrective services officer)
      • Statutory declaration of an individual who has known the applicant for at least one year (download the Qld Statutory Oath Declaration template from the Queensland Courts website).
      • Additional information is required from legal representatives acting on behalf of and/or seeking access to an applicant's personal information. Legal representatives should refer to the evidence of authority and identity information on the Office of the Information Commissioner website.
      • Lodge the application along with the application fee.  There is no application fee for applications under the IP Act.
    • An access application must:
      • Be in the approved form
      • Be accompanied by the application fee
      • Include evidence of the agent’s authority if an agent is acting for an applicant seeking personal information
      • Give sufficient information concerning the document to enable an officer of the agency to identify it
      • State an address to which notices may be sent.
      • Lodge your application in person or via email, post or fax to:

      Customer Service Centre 
      Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street
      PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305
      Email righttoinformation@ipswich.qld.gov.au
      Phone (07) 3810 6666
      Fax (07) 3810 6731

      Can Fees and Charges be Waived?

      The application fee for RTI applications cannot be waived.  If you have a valid healthcare card or concession card, a written application can be made to have the processing and/or access charge waived.

      Application Processing Times

      • Council is required to process your application within 25 business days from receiving a valid application.
      • This time frame can be extended in some circumstances (for example, where charges need to be negotiated OR Council needs to consult with a third party or requests additional time to consider the application). A valid application must meet the requirements set out in Section 24 of the RTI Act or Section 43 of the IP Act.

      Amending Your Personal Information

      The Information Privacy Act 2009 allows you to apply to have your personal information amended if you believe it is incomplete, inaccurate, out of date or misleading. There are no fees or charges applicable. To amend your personal information follow these steps:

      Complete the Information Privacy Personal Information Amendment Application form and submit to Council. Provide a certified copy of your identification. Documents that provide sufficient evidence of identity include:

      • Current driver licence
      • Identifying page of current passport
      • Birth certificate
      • Copy of prisoner ID card (certified by corrective services officer)
      • Statutory declaration of an individual who has known the applicant for at least one year (download the Qld Statutory Oath Declaration template from the Queensland Courts website).

      All enquiries about Right to Information and Information Privacy should be directed to:

      Right to Information and Information Privacy Officer
      Corporate Services Department
      Ipswich City Council
      PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305
      Email: righttoinformation@ipswich.qld.gov.au
      Phone: 3810 6666
      Fax: 3810 6731

      More Information

    • RTI and IP application fees and charges
    • RTI and IP application decision reviews
    • Queensland Government RTI website
    • Office of the Information Commissioner website
    • RTI Act and IP Act Factsheets