The following documents are available on Council’s website and for inspection at Council offices, during normal office hours.

How do I get information from Council?

Some information is available on Council’s website, or may be available simply by asking in person, or over the phone or by email. Other information may need to be requested under the Information Act.

The Information Act gives everyone the right to ask for information held by the Council. This includes information about you, and about activities and projects being undertaken by the Council.

How do I apply?

An application under the Information Act must

  • be in writing;
  • include your name and an address for correspondence;
  • give enough detail to identify the information you want;
  • include proof of your identity; and
  • include the application fee (if necessary).

You can fill in an application form or send an email or letter containing the same information as needed on the form. Be as specific as possible about the information you want, including details of the topic, date range, or location if relevant.

How much does it cost?

If you are asking only for information about yourself, there is no application fee and no processing fee for the time it takes.

If you are asking for more than just information about yourself, then there is a $30 application fee and a processing fee of $25 per hour. There may be some additional costs such as photocopying. Council will advise you of the estimated processing fees and may ask for a 50% deposit. You will have to pay the balance of the fees before you are given the information.

You may ask for a waiver or reduction of fees, using the application form. The Council will consider:

  • the circumstances of the application;
  • your financial situation; and
  • the objects of the Act

Further information about applying under the Information Act is available by contacting Council’s Information Officer FOI@litchfield.nt.gov.au or 08 8983 0600. Information is also available on the website of the Information Commissioner:

https://infocomm.nt.gov.au/freedom-of-information/make-an-access-application

How long will it take?

The Act provides that an answer will usually be given within 30 days. However, this period may be extended in some circumstances, such as if the Council needs to consult with a third party whose information has been requested, or if a large volume of information is requested. The time period will pause when you are asked to pay a deposit, and restart when it is paid.

Will I get all the information requested?

There may be reasons why some information cannot be released. For example, it may breach another person’s privacy or be damaging to a business. If so, you will be given reasons in writing for the decision.

You will also be told of your right to ask for a review of the decision. Your first option is to ask for an internal review by council. If you are still not satisfied, you can complain to the Information Commissioner.

Forms on which to ask for a review or make a complaint are available on the website of the Information Commissioner: https://infocomm.nt.gov.au/resources/forms

Correcting your personal information

The Information Act 2002 gives you the right to apply for correction of your personal information if you believe that it is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. There is no fee for this just fill out the application form.

The Council may make the correction requested in the application, refuse the application, or make a correction different to the application. If you are of the opinion that the information as corrected is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, you are entitled to request that a statement to that effect is placed with the corrected personal information. A public sector organisation is not required to correct personal information that is historical only.

For further information please contact Council’s Information Officer on FOI@litchfield.nt.gov.au or 08 8983 0600.