--- title: "Reasons and government information in NSW" description: "NSW government information and reasons requests: identifying useful records, GIPA access pathways, statutory limits and related review deadlines." canonical: https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-information/ language: en-AU last_updated: 2026-10-21 source_revision: 1296179e97249d22fa332459637b866a57239ff0 publisher: "Stone & Pillar Legal" --- Council & regulatory # You need the reasons or records behind a decision The reasons for a decision and the records behind it can help identify the next step. We advise on requests for reasons and access to information relevant to land, planning, environmental and regulatory matters. - Jurisdiction New South Wales - Page type Issue overview On this page - [This page may be relevant if:](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-information/#for-you-if) - [What this usually means](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-information/#what-it-means) - [What commonly matters](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-information/#what-matters) - [How we help](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-information/#how-we-help) If you have received a decision or notice, a strict review or appeal period may already be running. Confirm it promptly and do not rely on an online enquiry. ## This page may be relevant if: - The decision does not explain an issue you need to understand - You need assessment records, correspondence or other agency documents - An information-access decision refuses or limits access ## What this usually means - Check what is already public and whether an informal request could obtain the material. A formal application may be appropriate where another route does not meet the need. - The _Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009_ provides a NSW access framework, subject to statutory limits, including an overriding public interest against disclosure. It does not guarantee access to every requested record. - A request for reasons and an application for records serve different purposes. Consider both alongside any deadline to challenge the underlying decision. ## What commonly matters 1. ### The records that matter Define the decision, subject and period precisely. An identifiable request is more useful than asking for every document an agency holds. 2. ### Limits and third parties Assess confidentiality, personal information, privilege and other relevant restrictions. Access may involve deletion of protected information or consultation with others. 3. ### Time, charges and review Consider processing time and possible charges before committing to a broad request. Check the particular review rights and deadlines if access is refused or deferred. ## How we help - Identify information and reasons pathways - Prepare focused requests and advise on access decisions - Coordinate information requests with related proceedings This page is general information only and is not legal advice. It may not be current, and how the law applies depends on the specific facts. For advice on your situation, contact Stone & Pillar Legal. ## Reasons and government information Tell us which decision or records you need to understand and which agency holds them. The preliminary call covers - What has happened and the decision you need to make - The authority or other party involved, so we can check for conflicts - Any date stated in the documents you have received - Whether the firm can assist, and what a scoped first step would involve Tell us which document you received, who issued it and any date it states. Keep it to hand for the call. [Speak with a lawyer](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?issue=government-information#schedule) [Request a call back](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?issue=government-information#enquiry) Complimentary A 30-minute preliminary call. No legal advice is provided. Neither booking nor the call engages the firm. Prefer to talk? [(02) 8014 5817 ](tel:+61280145817)· [Email](mailto:enquiries@stonepillar.com.au) Your enquiry will be reviewed by Michael Themis , Principal Solicitor of Stone & Pillar Legal. ## What to bring - The underlying decision and any reasons already supplied - A description of the records sought and agency involved - Previous requests, access decisions and correspondence [Related practice area Administrative law and government enforcement](https://stonepillar.com.au/services/administrative-law/) ## Related situations - [Council & regulatory You want a government decision reconsidered An overview of NSW internal review, merits review and judicial review: identifying the decision, available forum, evidence, deadlines and litigation risks.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-decision-review/) - [Council & regulatory You question the legality of a government decision NSW judicial review of government decisions affecting land and business: statutory power, process, remedies, evidence and the limits of a successful challenge.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/judicial-review/) - [Council & regulatory Your authority needs to make a sound statutory decision Advice for NSW councils and public authorities on statutory powers, delegations, evidence, representations and reasons in land and regulatory matters.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/public-authority-decisions/) [All situations](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/) Where to start ## Discuss reasons and government information Describe the information you need and any related dispute. We can discuss a focused request and how it fits with your next legal step. [Request a call back](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?issue=government-information#enquiry) [Speak with a lawyer](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?issue=government-information#schedule) 30 minutes · Phone or Teams · No charge Complimentary 30-minute preliminary call. No legal advice is provided. Neither booking nor the call engages the firm; we act only once we confirm in writing. --- The information and tools on this website are general information only, are not legal advice, and do not create a solicitor–client relationship. Please don’t send confidential or privileged material until we confirm in writing that we can act. Do tell us any deadline or response date; it remains your responsibility until we confirm in writing that we act for you. See the full [Disclaimer](https://stonepillar.com.au/disclaimer/) and [collection notice](https://stonepillar.com.au/privacy/#collection-notice) . © 2026 Stone & Pillar Legal · New South Wales Stone & Pillar Legal is a business name of Stone & Pillar Pty Ltd ABN 11 698 040 854. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.