Can I ask an agency to provide my information in a way I can understand?

Yes, an agency should, where possible, provide your personal information, under principle 6 of the Privacy Act, in a clear and convenient form (see section 56 of the Act(external link)).

For example, if the information consists of an audio or visual recording, the agency should make arrangements for you to be able to hear audio or view the visual images. If notes have been taken in the form of shorthand writing or in codified form, the agency should give you a written transcript of the words recorded or contained in the document. It is reasonable to ask for the information to be given to you in an understandable form. If the agency cannot provide your personal information in the way you prefer, they need to provide a reason, and you can request the agency provide grounds in support of that reason.

If you are not satisfied with the reason given as to why the information has not been provided in the way you prefer, you can make a complaint to our office.