Right to Information

Residents' Right to Information is governed by the Right to Information Act 2009 and the Information Privacy Act 2009.

The legislation is designed to make more information available to members of the community, and provide a framework for the lawful management and handling of individuals' personal information.

Right to Information gives a right of access to information in the Government's possession or under the Government's control unless, on balance, it is contrary to the public interest to give the access.

Applications for access to information under the RTI and IP Acts are formal methods of information access, often referred to as the methods of last resort. This is because there is a preference to provide information administratively, avoiding the need and potential cost of a formal method of access.

The Right to Information Act and the Information Privacy Act aims to:

  • make more information available
  • provide equal access to information across all sectors of the community
  • provide appropriate protections for individuals' privacy

For further information and a guide to the Right to Information process, see the Queensland Government's Right to Information website.

Accessing Information

The most appropriate method of seeking access to information will depend on what type of information is sought. Information of Balonne Shire Council is commonly accessed through the following avenues:

  • Publication scheme - Our publication scheme describes and categorises information routinely available. It has been developed to give the community greater access to information held by the Balonne Shire Council.
  • Disclosure log - Our disclosure log provides information in response to non-personal information requests made under the Right to Information Act 2009.
  • Administrative access - If you have been unable to find what you are looking on our website please contact Balonne Shire Council who will advise whether it can be released administratively.
  • Apply for Information - Alternatively, it may be necessary to lodge an application under the RTI Act

Review of Decisions

What to do if you are not satisfied

If you are not satisfied with any decision about your Right to Information application or your Information Privacy application you can;

Request an Internal Review (optional)

You may wish to apply to Council for an internal review of the original decision. Your application for internal review must be made within 20 business days after the date of the written notice of the decision.

A person senior to the original decision-maker will review your application and inform you of the review decision as soon as practicable. Reasons will be given if access or amendment is still refused.

To apply for an internal review, submit a written application to:

Right to Information
Balonne Shire Council
PO Box 201
St George QLD 4487

Request an external review

If you are not satisfied with Council's internal review decision, you may wish to apply to the Office of the Information Commissioner for an external review.

Please also note that you can now apply directly to the Office of the Information Commissioner for an external review of Council's original decision. The Information Commissioner may change or confirm the decision made on your application or try to mediate a settlement between the parties.

For more information about requesting an external review, visit the Office of the Information Commissioner on website http://www.oic.qld.gov.au/external-review.

Further information

All enquiries about Right to Information and Information Privacy should be directed to Council's Right to Information Officers at council@balonne.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 4620 8888.

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