Public access to information
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) offers several ways for the public to request information. This includes incident reports, access to government information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) [external link], and responses to subpoenas or notices to produce. Some information is available online at no cost. Other information requires a formal application or must be requested through a specific process.
The main options to request information from FRNSW are:
- For incident reports only (a record of the attendance of FRNSW at a incident) – you can make a request for incident information free of charge see Request for Incident Information.
For incident reports and any other records, for example, photos, etc, you will need to make a Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) access application costing $30 see below. - For Subpoena or Notice to Produce requests see Subpoena or Notice to Production section below.
- Information freely available online see FRNSW Publications page.
Request for incident information
If you would like information regarding an incident attended by the Fire and Rescue NSW for insurance claims or other reason, please see Request for incident information.
A description of the incident, the actions of fire fighters and the likely cause of any fire is available in this form free of charge.
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009
Fire and Rescue NSW develops and holds a range of documents in relation to large incidents fire safety and other topics. This information is available to the public through the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act. To obtain this information individuals or companies must lodge a GIPA application.
Applications for formal access to documents must be in writing and can be made on the downloadable application form below, or in the form of a letter.
Please complete the form below if you want to apply for formal access to FRNSW information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). Lodgement options including email address and physical address are included in the form.
Subpoenas or Notices to Produce
Subpoenas or Notices to Produce are to be served on legalservices@fire.nsw.gov.au, or;
Submit via post to:
Fire and Rescue NSW
Legal Services
Locked Mail Bag 12,
Greenacre NSW 2190
Submit via hand to:
Fire and Rescue NSW
Legal Services
1 Amarina Avenue,
Greenacre NSW 2190
Conduct money is required for Subpoenas and Notices to Produce.
How to access other Fire and Rescue NSW information
To access information from Fire and Rescue NSW, first search our website to see if this information is already available. If it is not, please contact the FRNSW's Information Liaison Officer on email gipa@fire.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9269 6447 and ask for this information.
We will then decide whether the information you want:
- is open access information that is readily available. If it is, we will tell you where and how you can get this information
- will be made available as part of a proactive release of information
- can be disclosed to you through informal release, for example, where no third-party personal information is involved
- requires a formal access application, for example because consultation with a third party is required
Agency Information Guide
The Agency Information Guide describes the basic structure and functions of the FRNSW, the various kinds of information it holds, and how members of the public can access this information. View the Agency Information Guide.
Policy documents
FRNSW has published a number of policies and procedures that may impact on members of the public. View our Policy documents.
Annual reports and other documents tabled in Parliament
Documents which have been prepared by FRNSW which have been tabled in Parliament such as the annual report. View documents that have been tabled in Parliament.
Register of Contracts
The Register of Contracts contains a summary of contracts where FRNSW engaged private sector bodies to carry out certain work or provide services to the value of more than $150,000. View our Register of Contracts.
Disclosure Log
The Disclosure Log contains details of FRNSW information already released under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). It provides access to information for people who want the same or similar information as previous applicants. View our Disclosure Log.
Open access information not released
This contains a record of open access information not released to the public on the basis of an overriding public interest against disclosure. View our open access information not released list.
Compliance registers
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) maintains central registers for gifts received by FRNSW, gift of government property, and statutory act of grace payments, as per NSW Treasury requirements. View our compliance registers.
For further information contact the Information Liaison Officer
- Address: 1 Amarina Avenue, Greenacre NSW 2190
- Postal address: Locked Bag 12, Greenacre NSW 2190
- Email: gipa@fire.nsw.gov.au
- Tel: (02) 9269 6447