What is an RTI Request?

 

The Right to Information Act No. of 2016 (RTI Act) gives you the right to request access to records held by government authorities. All public authorities are required to follow a statutory process with respect to a response to your request and the time-frames under the law in assessing your application.

  

What details should I provide?

 

Applications for information do not need to be made on a particular form but may be made on this application form if preferred. In accordance with the Right to Information Act No. of 2016, (RTI Regulations) an application shall include the following:

State your full name in your application.

Make sure that you include a postal address, fax number or email address to which information may be sent.

The form of access required in accordance with section 28 (hardcopy or softcopy).

The language in which the information granted is to be supplied.

An indication of whether the application is being made on behalf of a person and the submission of proof of the capacity in which the applicant is making the application, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Right to Information Officer.

An indication of whether the applicant believes that the information is necessary to safeguard the life or liberty of himself or herself or any other person, and the basis for that belief.

  

Can I request my personal information?

 

Under the RTI Law a person may request their own information.  A separate application is required under the RTI regulations for amendment or annotation of a personal record. If a person makes an application for their own personal information they must produce identification or information that proves you are the parents or guardian to allow the public authority to release this information. 

  

What type of information can I request?

 

You can ask for records that are held by a Government of Vanuatu Public Authority. 
Under the RTI Act a "record" includes:

  • A record in writing, a document, manuscript, file.
  • A film (including microfilm), negative, microfiche, facsimile copy of a document.
  • A map, plan, graph, or drawing, a photograph.
  • A disc, tape, sound track or other device in which sounds or other data are embodied, whether electronically or otherwise, so as to be capable (with or without the aid of some other equipment) or being reproduced.
  • An email, memo, opinion, advice, press releases, circular, order, logbook, contract, report, samples and models.