Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act (Queensland) 1992 (FOI Act) gives the public a right to apply for access to documents held by government agencies and to amend personal information held by government agencies. Government agencies must also publish information about their structure, what they do and the documents they hold.
Under the Act, you have the right to request, in writing, access to any document held by the QSA. The types of documents held by the QSA, and information on its structure, functions, goals and strategic priorities are described in:
Documents exempt from the FOI Act
Some documents relating to the testing and certification functions of the QSA are exempt from the provisions of the FOI Act under section 11(y) sections (i) to (vii) of the Act. This includes:
- information contained in a certificate of achievement
- individual or systemic information about the performance of students in tests or assessments (including core skills tests)
- individual or systemic student information in relation to a Year 2 Diagnostic Net Assessment
- information in relation to the ranking of a person for tertiary entrance assessment data
- aggregated information as defined under the Youth Participation in Education and Training Act 2003, section 46(7).
How to apply
- You must make a formal written application that includes the details of the document being requested, your contact details (including a mailing address) and proof of identity.
- You must supply proof of identity when requesting access to your personal documents. Copies must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations. One current form of identification from the following list is required:
- Australian passport
- birth certificate or extract of a birth certificate
- Card 18+
- driver licence or learner licence
- immigration papers
- naturalisation or citizenship certificate
- student ID (with photograph).
- There is no cost to look at documents about your personal affairs. A fee of $35.25 applies for applications regarding non-personal affairs. You must also pay any other reasonable charges in relation to the application if it is granted, such as the cost of reissuing certificates. When you lodge an application, the QSA will assess it and contact you. You will be notified of any charges before we proceed.
- Mail your letter of application along with your proof of identity to the Freedom of Information Officer, Queensland Studies Authority, PO Box 307, Spring Hill, Qld 4004.
Do not send either original documents or cash through the post. The QSA may charge to return original documents to you.
How long will it take to process my request for information?
We will acknowledge receipt of your request within 14 days. We are obliged to respond to your request within 6 weeks.
More information
The full text of the FOI Act is available from the website of the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.
For more information about submitting an application, email foi@qsa.qld.edu.au or contact the QSA office.
Last updated: 18 April 2008
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