Freedom of Information
The Queensland Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act) commenced in 1992. The FOI Act provides the community with a legally enforceable right to access documents subject to a limited number of exemptions.
How to make a FOI application
Anyone can apply to obtain information held by the Service under the FOI Act. Complete a FOI Application Form (
39 KB) or write a letter to the Superintendent, Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit.
Section 25 of the FOI Act provides that applications must:
- be in writing;
- provide sufficient information concerning the document(s) as is reasonably necessary to enable a responsible officer of the agency to identify the document(s); and
- specify an address for notification of a decision.
Where an application is made for documents that do not concern your personal affairs, an application fee is required.
Where an application is made for documents that solely concern your personal affairs, proof of identification is required to accompany the application. An example of appropriate identification is a photocopy of your birth certificate, passport or driver's licence.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Superintendent
Freedom of Information & Privacy Unit
GPO Box 1440
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Fees and charges
Application fee
Unless the requested documents relate solely to your personal affairs, an application fee of $38.00 must accompany your application.
The application fee cannot be waived.
Processing charges
In addition to the application fee, applications for documents that do not relate to your personal affairs may also attract additional charges for time spent by members in searching for and processing the documents applied for. The charges that apply are $5.80 for each 15 minutes or part thereof.
Access charges
A photocopy fee of twenty (20) cents applies to each photocopied single sided non-personal document. If access is sought by way of inspection of the documents, a charge of $5.80 for each 15 minutes or part thereof is payable.
You may not have to pay the processing and copy charges if you have a:
- Centrelink Health Care Card;
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card; or
- Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card.
Form of Payment
Cheque or money order payable to the Queensland Police Service. In some instances EFTPOS is available at police stations.
Time taken to process applications
You will receive written acknowledgement from the Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit within 14 days of your application being received. Generally you will receive a final response to your application within 45 days of the Service receiving your application.
If a document you requested is from another party, for example another government agency or someone who may have concerns with the release of the information, consultation with this other party may be required. In these circumstances the Service has an additional 15 days to finalise your application.
Types of documents available outside the FOI process
Criminal History (Queensland Only)
For further information regarding access to documents held by the Queensland Police Service please refer to the Statement of Affairs.
Amending your personal information
After having accessed documents held by the Service should you find that your personal information is inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading you may make application for correction or amendment of any part of the information. Complete an AOI Application Form (
37 kb) or write a letter to the Superintendent, Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit.
Any such application must:
- be in writing;
- Specify an address for notification of a decision;
- Give particulars of the information believed to be inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading; and
- Specify the amendments that you wish to be made.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Superintendent
Freedom of Information & Privacy Unit
GPO Box 1440
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Reviewing a decision
If you are dissatisfied or “aggrieved” with the decision of the Service made under the FOI Act regarding access or amendment to documents you can apply to the Service for an internal review of its decision.
To apply for an internal review of a decision you must apply in writing within 28 days of receiving the decision.
Applications for internal review should be addressed to:
The Superintendent
Freedom of Information & Privacy Unit
GPO Box 1440
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Your internal review application will then be referred to a senior officer for decision.
If you are still dissatisfied with decision made by the internal review officer, you have the right to request a review by The Office of the Information Commissioner. Further information in relation to The Office of the Information Commissioner is available at http://www.oic.qld.gov.au.
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