Access Directions - How to apply to have them made

Anyone, including NSW State Archives, can apply to have an access direction made for records in the open access period, if the records are not covered by an access direction.

An application can relate to any records in the open access period that are not covered by an access direction. An application can relate to an individual record, classes, groups, series or all records not covered by an access direction.

An application to make an access direction must:

• be made in writing to the responsible public office
• accurately identify the records that require an access direction, and
• include the name and contact details of the applicant.

You do not need to demonstrate a need or give a reason for the application.

No, there is not a fee for processing an application to make an access direction.

A public office must make an access direction within 14 days of receiving the application. 

If an access direction is not made within 14 days the records subject to the application are considered to be open to public access.

1. Identify the records you want covered by an open to public access direction.

2. Check to make sure the records are not already covered by an access direction on the Register of Access Directions. 

3. Check with NSW State Archives staff that the records are not covered by past access conditions that are not included on the Register of Access Directions. 

4. Identify the public office responsible for the records. NSW State Archives staff can assist in both identifying the public office and an appropriate contact. 
   Tip: Remember the public office that created the records may no longer be the public office responsible for the records.

5. Make an application in writing and send it to the responsible public office, as well as NSW State Archives.  This assists us in tracking the application process.

1. Acknowledge the receipt of your application in writing to both yourself and NSW State Archives.
2. Make an access direction by consulting:

• Procedures for making access directions
• Attorney General's guidelines for making access directions

Note: They may make more than one access direction for the records in cases where some records can be opened and others may need a longer period of closure.

3. Within 14 days inform you and NSW State Archives of the access direction.

Note: If no access direction is made within 14 days the records are taken to be open to public access.