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Freedom of Information (FOI)

The ACT Freedom of Information Act 2016 (the FOI Act) gives individuals the legal right to:

  • access government information unless access to the information would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest;
  • ask for personal information to be changed if it is incomplete, out-of-date, incorrect or misleading; and
  • appeal a decision about access to a document, or a decision in relation to a request to amend or annotate a personal record.

Freedom of Information Act 2016

Note: From 1 July 2025, Access Canberra was transferred to City and Environment Directorate. All requests for information related to Access Canberra should be submitted to City and Environment Directorate.

How to make an FOI application to access CMTEDD documents

You can submit your FOI request:

The request should:

  • identify the document(s) sought;
  • provide as much information as possible about the document(s) requested to assist in processing the request (for example the date the documents were created, or describe in detail the subject matter in which you are interested); and
  • provide your contact details - a postal or email address is required. You may also wish to provide a telephone number so we can call you if we need to discuss your request.

The FOI Information Officer:

EmailPhonePostDeliver

CMTEDDfoi@act.gov.au

 (02) 6207 7754 CMTEDD Corporate – FOI Team
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601 		Level 1
220 London Circuit
CANBERRA ACT 2601  

Your request should:

  • provide as much detail as possible about the information requested (for example the date the information was created, or describe in detail the subject matter you are interested in)
  • provide your contact details - a postal or email address is required. You may also wish to provide a telephone number so we can call you if we need to discuss your request.

Exemptions

The FOI Act sets out certain types of information which may not be disclosed. Information you request may also be subject to the public interest test.

If an Information Officer decides not to grant access to the information requested, they will provide written reasons for the decision and advise you of your rights to appeal.

If you would like to appeal a decision you may:

  • seek Ombudsman’s review of an Information Officer's decision or action (Ombudsman review); and
  • if you were a participant in an Ombudsman review apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a review of the decision made by the Ombudsman.

Further information on the appeal process is included in the Appeal Factsheet:

Third Party Consultation

Where an FOI request involves information relating to another party (a ‘third party’) CMTEDD may need to seek their views before deciding on the release of information that may concern them. Further details are provided in the Third Party Consultation Factsheet:

Disclosure Log

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2016 the Directorate is required to have a disclosure log listing Freedom of Information requests received by the Directorate. Details of requests for personal information are not required to be reported under the act and therefore are not provided here.

The application, decision and any released documents can be viewed by clicking on the Disclosure Log for each year below.

Amending Personal Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2016 allows in certain circumstances for individuals to request the Directorate amend personal information it holds on the individual. Further information is available in the Amending Personal Information Factsheet: