Content
Right to Information - Governing Policy
Responsible officer: Vice-Chancellor and President
Designated officer: Director, Information Services
Approval authority: Vice-Chancellor and President
Approval: 3 August 2009
Last amended:
Effective starting date: 19 August 2009
Any policies replaced by this policy: Freedom of Information Policy
Policy number: O21.
Related polices:
Due date for next review: August 2014
Part A: Preliminary
1. Background and purpose of policy
The University of the Sunshine Coast is defined as a public authority under the Queensland Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act). As such, it is required to comply with the Act. The Act provides individuals with the right of access to non-personal information held by the University, unless on balance it is contrary to the public interest to give access.
The University is also required to provide a Publication Scheme on its website which sets out the classes of information available, and a Disclosure Log listing information made available in response to requests for information made under the Act.
The purpose of this policy is to set out how the University addresses the requirements of the RTI Act.
2. Application of policy
This policy applies to all University staff.
Organisations such as staff and student unions, sports associations and companies such as the Innovation Centre Pty Ltd are regarded by the University as independent for the purposes of RTI applications.
3. Definition
In this policy, the following definition applies:
Documents, as defined by the RTI Act, means documents in the possession of, or under the control of, the University whether created or received by the University. Documents may be in the possession of, or under the control of, a staff member of the University in that person's official capacity. Documents may be items in hard copy or electronic format, including files, reports, emails or other correspondence, computer printouts, maps, plans, photographs, and recordings.
Part B: Policy
4. Available information
4.1 The University is committed to providing, as far as practicable, an open environment which enables members of the public and the USC community to access non-personal University documents without recourse to formal RTI applications. Information is made available in the Publication Scheme and Disclosure Log on the University’s website. Information may also be released administratively on request.
4.2 Decisions as to the release of requested information that is not available on the University’s website or in other publications are made within the guidelines of the RTI Act, taking into consideration the factors relating to exemptions and public interest.
4.3 Requests for personal information are dealt with as outlined in the Information Privacy Policy, in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.
5. Responsibilities and decision-making
5.1. As the “principal officer” under the RTI Act, the Vice-Chancellor and President is responsible for determining the outcome of RTI applications. The Vice-Chancellor and President has delegated this responsibility to other University staff as outlined below.
5.2. The RTI and Privacy Officer is responsible for making initial decisions regarding release of documents within the time periods stipulated in the RTI Act. In this function, the RTI and Privacy Officer may deal with prospective applicants and liaise with organisational units regarding access to documents.
5.3. The RTI and Privacy Coordinator assists the RTI and Privacy Officer in the above duties.
5.4. Cost centre managers and officers in charge of individual organisational units are responsible for establishing procedures to locate information held in their areas. In the event that information cannot be located, a written explanation of what steps have been taken to locate the information must be provided to the RTI and Privacy Officer. Cost centre managers and officers in charge of individual organisational units are also responsible for updating information relating to their units under the Publication Scheme.
5.5. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as Review Officer, is responsible for formal internal reviews of decisions made by the RTI and Privacy Officer, if requested by the applicant.
6. Applications for access to information
6.1 Applications for information not already available by other means must be made on the application form available on the website.
6.2 Processing of applications is conducted within the timeframes set out in the RTI Act.
7. Charging
7.1. Fees and charges for formal applications, processing and access provision are applied as specified in the RTI Act (RTI Regulation).
8. Review and appeal
8.1. The RTI and Privacy Officer must provide to the applicant written reasons for decisions not to release documents or to give only partial access to documents.
8.2. The Review Officer will internally review such decisions upon appeal by an applicant. Further review by the Queensland Right to Information Commissioner is also available.
END
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