Reviews of access or amendment decisions

If you are dissatisfied by a decision under the RTI Act or the IP Act, in certain circumstances you may apply for internal or external review of the decision.

Internal review is undertaken by a different, but no less senior staff member of the same agency or Minister’s office that has been dealing with the original application. Applications must be in writing, state the applicant’s address and be lodged with the relevant agency or Minister within 20 days of the date of the written notice of the decision (unless the agency or Minister allows extra time). You can apply online for internal review.

External review is undertaken by the Information Commissioner. It is not necessary to have an internal review before applying for an external review. The Information Commissioner’s website explains external review and how to apply.