Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) and Information Privacy Act 2009 (Privacy Act) applications are formal applications that must meet certain requirements, according to each legislation. Under the RTI Act, anyone can make an application for any documents the RTA holds. You can only make a Privacy Act application for a document that contains your own personal information. 

Applications must be received in writing by downloading and completing the Right to Information and Information Privacy Access Application form and submitting with a certified copy of identity (when requesting personal information):

• by post – RTI and Information Privacy Officer, GPO Box 390, Brisbane QLD 4001
• in person – RTA Office, Level 11, Midtown Centre, 150 Mary St, Brisbane QLD 4000 
• by email – RTA Privacy Officer.

Note: The Queensland Government’s online request form for RTI Act or Privacy Act applications cannot be used to request documents from statutory authorities, such as the RTA. 

For further information regarding what to expect when you make a formal application for documents under the RTI Act or Privacy Act, see the Office of the Information Commissioner guide for applicants. 
 

Applications under the RTI Act and Privacy Act are not a process to ask for general information, or to seek answers to questions. If you are unsure of what information may be held by the RTA, view the section below where this is outlined.

Formal applications for documents do not guarantee access. The RTA may not be able to give you access to any or all the documents requested for the following reasons:

• if they are exempt from release, or on balance, would be contrary to public interest to release
• any documents which contain personal information of another person (without their consent)
• when the release is inconsistent with, or prohibited under the law (e.g., the RTI Act or Privacy Act, or any other Act)
• information relating to a current open investigation or prosecution or other law enforcement activities
• information that is subject to legal professional privilege
• if external consultation is needed to decide on an outcome
• information is relating to a current dispute resolution case except where the applicant is a party to the dispute or acting on behalf of a party to the dispute
• the request is unreasonable.

Specific provisions relate to conciliation conducted through the RTA's dispute resolution service, which protects the confidentiality of the conciliation process and prevents any information from being released about the process. Any notes taken by conciliators during the process are destroyed upon completion.
 

If the RTA is not able to provide access to the documents you have asked for, you may:

• apply for an internal review of the decision, by another officer no less senior than the original decision-maker
• apply directly to the Office of the Information Commissioner for an external review of the decision.

You must apply in writing for a review within 20 business days after the date of the written notice of the decision.

Please visit the Office of the Information Commissioner website for further details regarding internal and external reviews.

The RTA was established in late 1989 and does not hold records prior to this time.

The information generally held by the RTA mainly consists of (but is not limited to):

• rental bonds and information required for bond administration
• the tenancy start and end dates
• the rental bond amount and the weekly rent
• statistical information
• general published information available on the RTA website.

The RTA does not receive copies of residential tenancy agreements or bond applications. These documents should be signed and held by the parties to a tenancy, including the tenant, property manager or owner. 

Processing times for applications under the RTI and Privacy Acts are 25 business days, or 35 business days if consultation with other parties is required. Additional time or contact may be required if your application does not meet the requirements under the Acts. 

RTI Act applications – an application fee of $55.75 is applicable.

Privacy Act applications – no application fee is payable. However, you will need to provide evidence of your identity (e.g., a certified copy of your current driver licence).

Further fees and charges may also be payable, further details are available on the Queensland Government Right to Information and Privacy website.

Contact the RTA's Right to Information and Information Privacy Officer:

Post:            GPO Box 390 Brisbane Q 4001
In person:    Level 11, 150 Mary Street, Brisbane City QLD