The RTA promotes the proactive release and access to public information and release of information administratively where possible. Before making a formal Right to information (RTI) application, check to see if the information is already available in the:

• Administrative Access Scheme (when seeking to access or amend your own information held by the RTA)
• information disclosure log
• published information.

If the information is not available, you can apply to access documents held by the RTA under the RTI Act. Anyone can make an application to access documents held by the RTA, including an application for a document that contains your own personal information. 

A compliant application must:

• be in writing
• provide enough information to identify documents
• provide an address for correspondence
• provide evidence of identity (if applying for personal information)
• include the application fee payment (for non-personal information).

All RTI applications must be in writing. You can apply in writing using any of the following methods:

• downloading and completing the Right to information access application form
• by providing an email or letter detailing the following minimum required information:
  • Applicant details:
    • Applicant’s given and family names.
    • Applicant’s postal address.
    • Applicant’s preferred method of contact (e.g. phone, mobile, email or post). Please include all contact details on your application.
  • If you are acting on someone else’s behalf to apply for the information or the information sought is not your own personal information, please include the following:
    • Given and family names of the person you are seeking/accessing information on.
    • Attach evidence of your authorisation to act on the person’s behalf.
  • Document information:
    • Provide specific and detailed information about the documents you are seeking to access (e.g. all documents held in relation to my tenancy at 123 Smith Street, Smithsville).
    • List the type of documents (e.g. bond lodgement documents).
    • The data range for the documents (e.g. September 2024 to June 2025).
    • Document reference numbers (if known).
    • Any other details you think would help us in dealing with your application (e.g. your date of birth or another family name if your bond was lodged under that name).

Under the RTI Act, a summary of the information being requested may be published on the RTA’s disclosure log as soon as practicable after your application is received.

Identification

If you are seeking documents that contain your personal information, you must provide your certified evidence of identity, such as a copy of your:

• current driver’s licence
• digital driver’s licence
• current passport
• birth certificate.

Authorisation

If you are an agent acting for the applicant, you will need to provide the applicant’s written authorisation for the documents to be released to you, along with evidence of your authorisation to act on that person’s behalf.

Where to send the application

• Lodge an online application form.
• By post to RTA 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.

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

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

The information held by the RTA is detailed in the RTA Privacy Plan.

An application made under the RTI Act is not the process used to seek general information about the RTA or to seek answers to general tenancy questions. If you are unsure of what information may be held by the RTA, view the section below where this is outlined further.

Compliant application requests 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 any other Act).
• Information relates 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.

Information relating to the conciliation process conducted through the RTA's dispute resolution service is not available from the RTA. This 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.

Processing times for applications under the RTI is within 25 business days of receiving a valid application. This period is extended by:

• 5 business days if the applicant only provides a postal address by the compliant application day
• 10 business days if another person or third party needs to be consulted
• up to 10 business days to transfer the application to another agency.

Additional time or contact may be required if your application does not meet the requirements under the Acts. 

An application fee of $57.65 is only payable for RTI applications that request access to documents that do not contain the applicant’s personal information. This fee cannot be waived.

No application fee is payable for applications seeking only your own personal information under the RTA’s Administrative Access Scheme. 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, details are available on the Queensland Government Right to Information and Privacy website.

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
• 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.

Contact the RTA's Privacy Officer:

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