Right to Know Week

This week is Right to Know Week, an international campaign that raises awareness of the public's right to access government-held information. In NSW, the Information and Privacy Commission encourages public sector agencies to strengthen their understanding of their responsibilities under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

Right to Know Week NSW runs from 28 September to 4 October 2026 and celebrates the theme, 'Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder'.

Information integrity plays an important role in helping people understand and engage with the issues that affect their lives. In today's digital world, information is created and shared faster than ever before, making it easier to communicate, learn and stay informed. At the same time, it has also made it easier for misinformation, disinformation and other forms of information disorder to spread quickly.

Information integrity is about ensuring information is accurate, reliable and trustworthy. Having access to accurate, timely and authoritative information helps people to make informed decisions, check facts and gain a better understanding of the policies, services and decisions that affect them. It also supports transparency and accountability by helping councils and public institutions to remain open and responsive to the communities they serve.

Government agencies, including councils, state departments, state-owned corporations (SOCs) and universities, have a responsibility to uphold information integrity through the information they create, hold and publish. At Wentworth Shire Council, this includes our Agency Information Guide, which outlines the information we hold, what is publicly available and how people can access it.

For individuals, access to trustworthy information is not only a right, but also an important tool for informed participation and critical thinking. It helps people understand public issues, access government services, take part in decision-making and hold institutions accountable. This is particularly important during emergencies, public health events and other periods of uncertainty, when misinformation can spread quickly and have significant impacts.

The public have a right to access accurate and reliable information from Wentworth Shire Council. Many documents and resources are already available on Council's website as open access information. People can also make an informal request for information or, in some circumstances, submit a formal access application. To learn more, visit Council's Access to Information page.

Wentworth Shire Council is a proud Champion of Right to Know Week NSW 2026 and is committed to supporting information integrity in the digital age.

The Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) can also help you understand information access laws in NSW and give you information on how to assert your rights. Learn more by visiting the IPC's Right to Know Week webpage.

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