Ipswich City CouncilRight to InformationNew legislation replacing the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (Qld) came into effect on 1 July 2009. All enquiries about Right to Information and Information Privacy should be directed to the Governance Branch, Ipswich City Council - (07) 3810 6222. About Right To InformationNew legislation replacing the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (Qld) came into effect on 1 July 2009 as follows:- The Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) ("RTI Act") and Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) ("IP Act") were introduced by the Queensland Government with the aim of providing the community with greater access to information held by government, including councils, unless on balance, it is contrary to the public interest. The new legislation reform provides for:-
The RTI Act allows you to make an application to access documents that are in Council's possession or control and which contain information that is "non-personal". The IP Act allows you to apply for access to documents containing your personal information. ‘Personal Information' is defined as "information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion." If you are seeking information other than your own personal information, you will need to make an application under the RTI Act. The IP Act also allows you to apply to have your personal information amended if you believe it is incomplete, inaccurate, out of date or misleading.
Further informationAll enquiries about RTI Act and IP Act should be directed to the Governance Branch on (07) 3810 6222. You may also access a variety of fact sheets about the RTI Act and IP Act compiled by the Office of the Information Commissioner. For further details about the new RTI Act and IP Act, visit:-
Accessing InformationCouncil is committed to providing the community with open and transparent access to information about council services, activities and business operations. You can check to see if the information you seek is already available:-
Many Council documents are also available for inspection or purchase. For a list of these documents go to "Our Registers" in the Publications Scheme below. For information that is not normally publicly available, you will need to make an application under the RTI Act or IP Act. Please see our "Making an Application" section to obtain details on how to make an application for access to information (via a request for documentation).
Accessing information identified in the publication schemeWhere information identified in the publication scheme is available online, you can access it by:
Where information is not available online, you can request the information by contacting the Customer Call Centre on (07) 3810 6666. Making an ApplicationAccess ApplicationsWhile Council proactively releases a great deal of information to the community about activities, the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) ("the RTI Act") and Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) ("the IP Act") both provide a formal means of requesting access to information held by council that is not normally publicly available. Requests for access to information must be made in the approved form under the RTI Act or IP Act. The RTI Act allows you to make an application to access documents that are in the government's possession or control and which contain information that is "non-personal". The IP Act allows you to apply for access to documents containing your personal information. ‘Personal Information' is defined as "information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion." If you are seeking both personal and non-personal information, you will need to make an application under the RTI Act. How to apply for information To apply for access to information under the RTI Act or IP Act follow these steps:
Important - Please note: If you are making an IP application, you will only receive documents containing your own personal information. If you are seeking information other than your own personal information, you will need to make an application under the RTI Act. Please be aware that legislative exemptions may apply and you may receive documents with exempt information or contrary to the public information deleted.
Amendment ApplicationsThe IP Act allows you to make an application to have your personal information amended if you believe it is incomplete, inaccurate, out of date or misleading. How to Apply
Application Costs
RTI Act access applications There are also access charges applicable when requesting a copy of the documents, which are calculated at 20 cents per A4 black and white page. In addition, access charges will apply where transcription of audio files is required. If documents are requested on disc or via email there are no access charges.
IP Act access applications Please note that all processing and access charges are payable when we notify you of the decision regarding your application. Please note: Your acceptance and acknowledgement of Council's final charges estimate notice for your RTI access application is considered acceptance of Council's offer to process your application for the processing and/or access charges stated (or any lesser amount set out in the decision notice), thereby creating a contract between you and Council. Therefore, pursuant to section 60(2) of the RTI Act, you will be required to pay the processing and access charges regardless of whether you are granted access or whether or not you decide to access any documents. Council may exercise its discretion to pursue you for payment of Council's processing and access charges if payment has not been made in accordance with the decision notice. Can fees and charges be waived? The application fee for RTI applications cannot be waived. If you have a valid healthcare card or concession card, a written application can be made to have the processing and/or access charges waived.
Other InformationHow long will the Council take to process an application? Council is required to process your application within 25 business days from receiving a valid application. This timeframe can be extended in some circumstances (for example, where charges need to be negotiated, Council needs to consult with a third party or Council requests additional time to consider the application). Submitting your application Your application can be lodged in person, by post, fax or email to us:
Further informationAll enquiries about Right to Information and Information Privacy should be directed to the Governance Branch on (07) 3810 6222. Review of DecisionsYou may request a review about decisions relating to Right to Information ("RTI") or Information Privacy ("IP") by following the steps below. What to do if you are not satisfiedYou may ask for a review if you are not satisfied with any decision about either:
Step 1 - request an internal review (optional) If you are not satisfied with a decision (or any part of it), you can apply for an internal review under section 80 of the RTI Act or section 94 of the IP Act (depending on which Act the application was made under). An application for internal review must be made to Council within 20 business days from the date of the written notice of the decision under section 82(c) of the RTI Act or section 96(c) of the IP Act. Your application can be lodged in person, by post, fax or email to Council's office:
The internal review will be undertaken by an officer more senior to the original decision maker. The internal reviewer is required to remake the decision with fresh eyes. You are encouraged to exercise your internal review rights. It gives us the opportunity of improving our services. Using the internal review option gives Council an opportunity to consider additional evidence or information that is raised in an internal review application and conduct any necessary further searches. However, you do not have to request an internal review and may directly apply for an external review by the independent Information Commissioner.
Step 2 - request an external review If you are not satisfied with council's internal review decision or you wish to go directly to external review, you may apply for an external review by the Information Commissioner under section 85 of the RTI Act or section 99 of the IP Act. External reviews may take 4-5 months to complete. An external review application must be made to the Information Commissioner within 20 business days from the date of the written notice of the decision. Your application can be lodged with the Information Commissioner in one of the following ways:
Please note, you are not entitled to seek a review of the amount of a charge stated in a charges estimate notice (sections 81(e) and 86 of the RTI Act). The Information Commissioner may change or confirm the decision made on your application or try to mediate a settlement between the parties. For more information about requesting an external review, visit the Office of the Information Commissioner website.
Further informationAll enquiries about RTI and IP should be directed to the Governance Branch on (07) 3810 6222. Publication SchemeCouncil's Right to Information Publication Scheme describes and categorises routinely available information. It has been developed to give the community greater access to information held by local government. Information is grouped and accessible through seven classes:
1. About UsWho we are and what we do About IpswichLocated 40 km west of Brisbane, Ipswich has a proud history and is one of the fastest growing sub-regions of South East Queensland. It is expected that the current population of 135,000 residents will grow by an additional 180,000 people over the next 20 years. Therefore, it is important that Council plans for growth and continues to deliver good service. The population growth will create more employment opportunities, improved transport networks, effective land use planning and major infrastructure investment whilst maintaining the existing environmental assets and community spirit. Councillors
The Mayor and Councillors work with our community and customers to establish needs. From this information, they formulate the goals and direction of Council. The Corporate Plan is the document which describes all of these matters. This plan provides the departments within Council with their direction. The departments use the guidelines provided in the Corporate Plan to determine what activities should be undertaken by their teams. Ipswich City Council has:
Elections are held every four years:
Council:
The Mayor and Councillors:
Committee StructureCommittee Meetings Ipswich City Council has 12 standing committees that comprise of and are chaired by elected representatives. These committees meet monthly, with the exception of the Specific Purposes Committee, to consider reports and then forward their recommendations to the Council Ordinary Meeting the following week for consideration. Council Meetings Council, consisting of a Mayor and 10 other Councillors, is the decision-making body. Ordinary Meetings of Council are held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Council Administration Building, 45 Roderick Street, Ipswich or at an external venue determined by Council from time to time. The meeting dates are published by Council each year. Members of the public are welcome to attend Council Committee and Ordinary Meetings and a public gallery is provided in the Council Chambers. Related Information
Organisational Structure
There are currently seven departments within Council, as outlined in the The seven departments and their internal organisational structures are as follows:
The role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is set out in the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld). The CEO has the role of:
Annual ReportIpswich City Council's Annual Report for 2010-2011 offers a snapshot of where we have been in the past 12 months and more importantly where we are heading in the years to come.
Media ReleasesYou can read the latest Council Media Releases on our website.
Governing LegislationIpswich City Council is bound by the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld). This Act is the result of the review of the Local Government Act 1993 (Qld). New laws governing the operation of local governments came into effect on 1 July 2010 with the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) replacing the Local Government Act 1993 (Qld). The new legislation aims to provide local governments with:
Please see the following links to legislation: Regulations of the Local Government Act 2009:
2. Our ServicesServices offered by Ipswich City CouncilBelow is a general list of Council services available to the public.
To report an animal that has been found, contact Council on (07) 3810 6666. Council will take your details and address and register the animal on the Lost, Found and Impounded register. If the animal has been reported as missing, Council will liaise with the owner and the finder to reunite the animal with its owner. Note: If you have reported your animal as lost and it has been found, don't forget to contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 to remove your animal's details from the register.
For more information about our services, please visit the main website. Alternatively, If you have any questions regarding council services, please contact us on (07) 3810 6666 or email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au. 3. Our FinancesWhat we spend and how we spend it The following information provides information regarding Council's projected and actual income, expenditure, procurement, tenders and financial audit.
Audit CommitteeThe primary objective of the Audit Committee is to assist Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to accounting and reporting requirements imposed under the Local Government Act 2009 and other relevant legislation. These terms of reference set the principles and standards for the Audit Committee and explains the role of the Committee within Council.
4. Our PrioritiesWhat our priorities are and how we are doing Corporate Publications
Council's Vision - Ipswich 2020 and BeyondThe Ipswich 2020 and Beyond project has defined a vision for Ipswich in the year 2020 and beyond and outlined the activities that need to be undertaken over the next two decades by Council, the community and other key stakeholders to see the vision achieved. This is the first plan of this kind for Ipswich and will place Ipswich in a strong position to address the future challenges to be faced by the City. The Ipswich 2020 Vision Statement and Action Plan Framework can be viewed in the Corporate Plan.
Council's Mission
5. Our DecisionsHow we make decisions
Council's role in Government
In the Australian federal system there are three levels of government:
Each level of government is centred on a body (a parliament or a council) democratically elected by the people as their representatives. Each level of government has its own responsibilities, though many responsibilities are shared in various ways.
Ipswich City Council - Local Government
Ipswich City Council is a Local Government Council - part of the third or lowest level of government in Australia, often seen as being the most accessible to the people. Local government bodies such as Council have specific responsibilities, duties and limitations on their areas of responsibility or influence. You may have concerns involving an area of government where local council is unable to act or advise. In these cases you may wish to contact your State or Federal government representative. The Queensland Government Gateway is the main Internet entry point to Queensland State Government services and information. For more information about the Federal Parliament (House of Representatives and Senate) visit the Parliament of Australia website.
Council Functions and Powers
Local Laws and Policies
The Ipswich City Council is empowered under the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) and associated regulations to adopt a range of local laws and policies. Council is also responsible for ensuring a number of state laws and regulations are observed. This includes a range of permits and licenses. Most issues are clearly recognised as being governed by either a local, state or federal law. However the interaction of local, state and federal laws can be complex, and you may find enquires to your local councillor are referred to another area of government which has the jurisdiction to advise on something outside council's control. If you are unsure, your local Councillor is there to assist and direct your concerns regarding government issues, and is always a good place to start. Council resolutions
Council must exercise it powers by a resolution of the full Council, unless it has delegated its powers to the CEO. See the "About Us" section of this publication scheme for more information about Council meetings. Delegations Council may delegate its powers to the CEO (unless the relevant law requires that the power be exercised by resolution). The CEO can also delegate their powers from Council or powers they have in their own right to council officers in particular positions. Delegations are issued to positions (e.g. Animal Management Officer) rather than natural persons (e.g. John Smith). The CEO is required under the Local Government Act 2009 to keep a register of delegations.
What is an Authorised Person? Authorised person/inspector/officer means a person who is appointed to exercise the powers of an authorised person under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), other Act or local law. Unlike a delegation where powers are given to a position, a person being appointed as an authorised person must be a natural person i.e. a position is not appointed (e.g. Conservation, Parks and Sport Officer is not appointed it is ‘Joe Bloggs' who is the actual person in that position).
General Information about Councils
If you seek information about the general responsibilities and roles of Councils, please visit the website of the state government Department of Local Government and Planning. 6. Our PoliciesOur policies and procedures Our Policies
Council has a number of policies and procedures about its activities. Under the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), Council is required to have a number of policies including:
Under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) ("the RTI Act"), copies of Council's policy documents may be available for inspection and purchase. To inspect and/ or purchase any of council's policies, please contact the Corporate Governance Manager on (07) 3810 6229.
Policy Definitions under the RTI Act
Section 20 - RTI Act: "Requirement for policy documents to be publicly available (1) An agency must make copies of each of its policy documents available for inspection and purchase by the public."
Schedule 6 - RTI Act: "policy document, in relation to an agency, means- (a) a document containing interpretations, rules, guidelines, statements of policy, practices or precedents; or (b) a document containing details of an administrative scheme; or (c) a document containing a statement of the way, or intended way, of administration of an enactment or administrative scheme; or (d) a document describing the procedures to be followed in investigating a contravention or possible contravention of an enactment or administrative scheme; or (e) another document of a similar kind; that is used by the agency in connection with the performance of such of its functions as affect or are likely to affect rights, privileges or other benefits, or obligations, penalties or other detriments, to which members of the community are or may become entitled, eligible, liable or subject, but does not include an enactment that has already been published."
Local LawsView Ipswich City Council's Local Laws on our website. Code of ConductView Ipswich City Council's Code of Conduct on our website. 7. Our ListsLists and RegistersCouncil is bound by legislation to keep the following registers open for inspection and/or purchase:-
Last Updated 9 Mar 2012 |
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