Accessing Council’s information
At any time, members of the public may apply to City of Palmerston (Council) to access information held by Council. There are two ways to access information held by Council, which are based on the type of information the member of the public is seeking.
Under the Information Act 2002 (NT) (Information Act), members of the public may apply to access Council information such as dog attack reports. This is known as a Freedom of Information request. Under the Local Government Act 2019 (NT) (Local Government Act), certain people may be able to access the information about a particular properties assessment record such as the name and postal address or an owner or ratepayer. Historically, the information may have been viewed in a physical rates book held by Council, however the Local Government Act was amended in 2019 no longer requiring Council to maintain a physical book. This is now known as a Sufficient Interest request.
To access information held by Council, you need to complete an application form listed below. Your application scope will be assessed on what information you are seeking and whether any third parties are required to be contacted. Council must respond to you within 30 days of your application; however, this may be extended by Council by writing to you.
A $30.00 application fee applies if your request is for Council information, other than personal information about you. Where an application fee is payable, you must pay this before your application will be accepted. The application fee can be paid at the Customer Service desk located at City of Palmerston, Civic Plaza. There is no application fee if you are applying for access to, or for correction of, information about yourself. If your application requires a lot of information, a quote will be given to you if there are further costs. You will be required to pay a 50% deposit.
What if someone wants information about you?
If a request for information includes personal information about another person, Council will make reasonable attempts to contact the third party for permission to release the information. However, there may be times when the information is released or not released even if Council has been unable to contact the third party.
Forms
Request for Information
Request for Personal Information
Correct Personal Information
Waive or Reduce Fees
Application for a Review of a FOI Decision
Information
For full details of the Information Act 2002 (NT) and the Privacy Principles, contact the Office of the Information Commissioner.
p: (08) 8999 1500
e: infocomm@nt.gov.au
w: infocomm.nt.gov.au/