Freedom of Information
In New South Wales, the Freedom of Information Act 1989 gives you the legal right to obtain access to information held as records by State Government agencies, local government and other public bodies. It also gives you the right to request amendment to a record of a personal nature held by that agency if you believe it is incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out-of-date. You can ask for any kind of personal or non-personal information.
The application fee is $30 and the Ambulance Service provides a 50 per cent discount in cases of hardship.
The application form should be completed and forwarded to the Freedom of Information Coordinator at the address shown on the form. Under the legislation, Freedom of Information applications must be processed within 21 days, unless third party consultation is required.
The agency may refuse access if the document you seek is exempt under the legislation or if your request would unreasonably divert the agency’s resources from its normal functions.
Under Section 25 (1) (c) of the Act an agency may refuse access to a document under Freedom of Information if the document is available for purchase. For example, patients who have been transported by ambulance may purchase their Patient Health Care Record by writing to the FOI Coordinator, Ambulance Service of NSW, Locked Bag 105, Rozelle NSW 2039. To obtain a record within the last seven years the current cost is $56.00 including GST.
For inquiries or further information, please telephone 9320 7631 from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
For inquiries or further information relating to Freedom of Information please telephone 9320 7631 from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.