Promoting access to government information and public participation
This week marks Right to Know Week NSW 2025, part of a global initiative that promotes awareness of the public's right to access information held by government agencies.
In New South Wales, the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) is encouraging all public sector organisations to strengthen their understanding of transparency obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
Right to Know Week NSW runs from 29 September – 5 October 2025
This year's theme is: "Ensuring access to environmental information in the digital age."
Transparency is essential for enabling meaningful public engagement. The GIPA Act supports this by legally mandating openness in government, positioning NSW as a global leader in public sector transparency.
When people have the right to access government-held information, they can participate more fully in decision-making and policy development - leading to more effective governance and stronger community trust in public institutions.
In NSW, members of the public can request information from a wide range of public bodies, including state government departments, local councils, universities, ministerial offices, and state-owned corporations.
Some information is made publicly available online, while other details can be accessed through informal or formal requests.
