Access to information

Access to Information

The City of Canada Bay Council is committed to open, transparent, and accountable governance by making information readily available to the public. The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) provides the public with a right to access government information, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.

Ways to Access Council Information

Under the GIPA Act, there are four ways to access Council information:

1. Informal Requests

If the information you are looking for is not publicly available, you can make an informal request for access. This applies to documents that do not require a formal application under the GIPA Act — no application fee is required.

Examples of information available through an informal request include:

  • Council correspondence (excluding confidential matters)
  • Some development applications and historical records
  • Non-confidential customer requests

Council may provide this information (copying charges may apply as per our fees and charges). Informal requests can be made by completing an online request.

2. Formal Access Applications

If the information you seek is not readily available through open access or an informal request, you may need to submit a Formal Government Information Public Access (GIPA Application). This applies to documents containing sensitive or personal information, third-party interests, or matters requiring a public interest test.

A formal application requires:

Council will assess your request within 20 working days, subject to possible extensions. If an extension is required, we will notify you in writing as per our Terms and Conditions.

3. Open Access Information 

Some information is required to be made available and can be accessed on our website or at Council offices. This includes:

You can find a range of publicly available documents on our website or by visiting Council's Civic Centre.

4. Access to Personal Information

Under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act), individuals have the right to access and amend their personal information held by Council. If you need access to your personal records, you can submit an Informal or GIPA – Access to Information Request, depending on the type of information required.

How to apply for information

You can submit an Informal or Formal GIPA – Access to Information Request via our website here.

Processing times and fees

  • Informal requests: Processing of applications may take up to 20 working days.
  • Formal applications: Decision within 20 working days (extensions may apply)
  • Fees applicable:
    • Informal requests: Application is free, copying costs may apply.
    • Formal GIPA  Application: $30 application fee (additional charges may apply)

More information

For full details on your rights under the GIPA Act, visit the NSW Government legislation website and NSW Information and Privacy Commission.

Preventing Fraud and Corruption

Fraud and Corruption
The City of Canada Bay is committed to maintaining trust within its community and with its stakeholders through a robust fraud and corruption prevention approach.

Our Policy outlines Council’s zero-tolerance position on any fraudulent or corrupt behaviour and establishes a framework to prevent fraud and corruption, proactively monitor, maintain and build awareness of its fraud and corruption prevention controls and strategies.

Fraud and Corruption Control Policy

Reporting Suspected Fraud or Corruption
You should report suspected fraud or corruption, in the first instance, to the City of Canada Bay using our online form.

You can also report fraud to the NSW Police and suspected corrupt conduct to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, or the NSW Ombudsman.

Independent Commission Against Corruption

NSW Police

Ombudsman NSW