The new system is focused on making government information more readily available. This means that a government agency must release information unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure. TransGrid, as a statutory state-owned corporation and a public authority, is a “government agency” within the meaning of the GIPA Act.
Under the GIPA Act, there are four ways that you can access government information held by an agency:
1. Mandatory release:
You can search the agency’s website. Certain information must be disclosed on an agency’s website, free of charge. This includes the agency's policy documents, current publication guide, disclosure log and register of government contracts.
2. Proactive release:
You can ask the agency what information they will make available to the public, in addition to the information contained on their website. Agencies are encouraged to release as much government information as possible, in an appropriate way and free of charge (or at the lowest reasonable cost).
3. Informal request:
You can ask for specific information. Agencies are encouraged to release information without the need for a formal application, unless there are good reasons to require one.
4. Formal application:
This is the last resort, if you haven’t been able to get the information you need in any other way. You can formally request specific information. In limited circumstances, access to information will require a formal access application.
We suggest that you visit the website of the Office of the Information Commissioner for a comprehensive overview of your rights under the GIPA Act.