NSW Information and Privacy Commission Marks Right to Know Week 2026

The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is holding its annual Right to Know Week from 28 September to 4 October 2026, aligned with the International Day for Universal Access to Information on 28 September. The campaign aims to educate New South Wales public sector agencies and the general public on public participation and government transparency under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

The theme for the 2026 observance is "Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder." According to the IPC, the rapid creation and dissemination of digital content provides broad communication opportunities while simultaneously accelerating the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The commission stated that maintaining information integrity—defined as the accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness of information—is necessary to help the public make informed decisions, verify claims, and hold public institutions accountable.

Throughout the week, the IPC is encouraging agencies across all levels of government in NSW to proactively publish accurate and trustworthy information, including through Agency Information Guides (AIGs). The commission noted that under NSW law, individuals hold a legally enforceable right to request access to government information, operating on a presumption of disclosure unless there is an overriding public interest against it.

As part of the initiatives, Information Commissioner and CEO Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM FAAL FRSM will host a panel event on 29 September 2026. The discussion, featuring perspectives from government and academia, will focus on how open data, transparency, and the proactive release of information can help address information disorder and support public trust.

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