Records requests: Australia.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada.

Moraph for Good · Voice

Records requests: Australia

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/records-requests

In many places you have a legal right to ask public bodies for the information they hold. This sheet covers how to ask clearly and what to do next.

Before you ask

Check the body’s website, meeting papers and any disclosure log.
Work out which body holds the records.

Writing your request

Describe the records you want, plainly and specifically.
Give dates and the format you’d like.
Ask for records, not answers to questions.
Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.

Deadlines and fees

Time limits and fee rules depend on the country and the body: see the country section.
Ask for an estimate before any charges, and narrow the request to reduce them.

If you’re refused

The reply should say why and how to ask for a review.
Ask for a review promptly, then go to the independent body if needed.

In Australia

Your right. Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, you have the right to ask for documents held by Australian Government agencies and ministers. Each state and territory has its own FOI law covering its agencies.
How to ask. Put your request in writing to the agency or minister. Say it is a request under the FOI Act, describe the documents in enough detail to identify them, and give an address or email for the reply. You don’t need to give reasons.
Deadlines. The agency or minister must acknowledge your request within 14 days and make a decision within 30 days. Some requests take longer, and extensions are possible.
Charges. There is no charge to make a request, but an agency or minister may charge for processing it, and must give you a written estimate first. You can ask for a charge to be reduced or not applied, for example for financial hardship or public interest. There is no processing charge for documents with your own personal information.
If you’re refused. A refusal must give reasons and explain your review rights. You can ask the agency for an internal review within 30 days of the decision, or apply to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for an Information Commissioner review; for a refusal of access, apply within 60 days.

Official places to check:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-information-rights/what-is-freedom-of-information
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-access-government-information/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/how-to-make-a-freedom-of-information-request
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-access-government-information/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/when-to-expect-a-decision
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-access-government-information/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/what-charges-may-apply
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-information-rights/freedom-of-information-reviews/internal-review
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-information-rights/freedom-of-information-reviews/information-commissioner-review

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/records-requests