Access to Council Information

The Right to Information Act 2009 commenced on 1 July 2010 which provided a legally enforceable right to members of the public in accordance with this Act, to obtain information contained in the records of the Government and public authorities.

Section 3 defines the object of the Right to Information Act 2009.

(1) The object of this Act is to improve democratic government in Tasmania -

(a) by increasing the accountability of the executive to the people of Tasmania; and

(b) by increasing the ability of the people of Tasmania to participate in their governance; and

(c) by acknowledging that information collected by public authorities is collected for and on behalf of the people of Tasmania and is the property of the State.

(2) This object is to be pursued by giving members of the public the right to obtain information held by public authorities and Ministers.

(3) This object is also to be pursued by giving members of the public the right to obtain information about the operations of Government.

(4) It is the intention of Parliament -

(a) that this Act be interpreted so as to further the object set out in subsection (1); and

(b) that discretions conferred by this Act be exercised so as to facilitate and promote, promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost, the provision of the maximum amount of official information.

The Devonport City Council provides information to the public through proactive disclosure. This information is available via our Website under the Your Council tab and includes Annual Reports, Annual Plans, Strategic Plans, Annual Fees and Charges, Estimates, Council By-Laws and Policies.

If you cannot find the information you require the following options below maybe of assistance

  • Direct from Devonport City Council Website - http://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/
  • Telephone Devonport City Council on 6424 0511
  • Email Devonport City Council on webmaster@devonport.tas.gov.au This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • If it is old information it may be deposited with the Tasmanian Archives and Heritage Office - www.archives.tas.gov.au/database telephone 03 6233 7488

If the information is not freely available we will assist you to make an application for an assessed disclosure by completing the application form by clicking on this link.

Section 13(2) of the Right to Information Act 2009 details the application process for assessed disclosure of information.

Please address your applications to:

Right to Information Officer

Devonport City Council

PO Box 604

DEVONPORT TAS 7310

Applications are to be accompanied by the application fee. This fee is 25 fee units, which is currently $36.00 for the 2012/2013 financial year and is indexed annually.

You may apply to have the fee waived if you are in financial hardship:

  • evidence provided to support your receipt of Centrelink or veterans affairs payments;
  • if you are a member of parliament and the application is in connection with your official duty; or
  • evidence provided which shows that the information sought is intended to be used for a purpose that is of general public interest or benefit.

Make sure you have looked for the information you require before you make formal application, because if the information is otherwise available, your application may be refused without the return of your application fee.

An Officer will then assess your application against the Right to Information Act 2009 and let you know the outcome of that process in writing. If the application or part of the application is refused, then the reasons for the refusal to provide the information must be provided as part of the decision, together with details on the right to see a review of the decision. Some information on reviews by the Ombudsman can be found on the Office of the Ombudsman's website.

CCTV Cameras

The Devonport City Council has operated a Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) since 2000. The system is operated to enhance public safety and security, and is operated with the support of Tasmania Police. Cameras operate in the CBD and the Four Ways shopping precinct. Council operates and manages its CCTV system in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and State legislation including the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 (Tas.), Listening Devices Act 1991 (Tas.) and the Security and Investigations Act 2002 (Tas.). Members of the public may apply to view or receive a copy of CCTV footage. Applications will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009, and eligibility criteria in respect to requests for the release of CCV footage/images.

Guidelines for requesting to view CCTV footage/images


The following form "Application to view CCTV footage/images" must be completed and returned to the Devonport City Council. Requests to view CCTV footage/images will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009. As in accordance with the Act, applicants will be notified of the decision within 20 working days of the application being accepted by the Devonport City Council. An application fee of $36.00 applies, as is currently charged for Right to Information requests.

Guidelines for requesting release of CCTV footage/Images

Electronic media, and the release thereof, is made available only to Tasmanian and Federal Police and civilians who meet the criteria listed below, and who agree to comply with the requirements for handling, used and return of released information. Under Devonport City Council's guidelines, an application by a civilian to receive a copy of footage/image from a Council CCTV camera will only be approved if the applicant is:

  • A lawyer or legal representative acting on behalf of a person alleged to have committed an offence/s which may have been captured by a Council CCTV camera;
  • A lawyer or legal representative acting on behalf of the Tasmanian or Federal Government or a Statutory Authority against a person alleged to have committed an offence/s which may have been captured by a Council CCTV camera;
  • A lawyer or legal representative acting on behalf of a person who alleges they have been a victim of an offence which may have been captured by a Council CCTV camera;
  • A victim of an offence who will be representing themselves in a court of law or tribunal in relation to an offence which may have been captured by a Council CCTV camera. Additional evidence (court documentation, copy of criminal charge or a Statutory Declaration) will be required in these instances to support the application.

The following form "Application to Release CCTV Footage/Images" must be completed and sent to the Devonport City Council. Requests to release CCTV footage/images will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009. As in accordance with the Act, applicants will be notified of the decision within 20 working days of the application being accepted by the Devonport City Council. An application fee of $36.00 applies, as is currently charged for Right to Information requests.

CCTV Application to view footage

CCTV Application to release footage