Responding to requests
Data Custodians must consider and respond to all requests they receive from an Accredited User within a reasonable period, we recommend that as best practice this occurs within 28 days.
Data Custodians have no duty to share data, but we recommend they consider the objects of the Act when considering a data request. The first object of the Act is to serve the public interest by promoting better availability of public sector data.
If refusing a request, Data Custodians have statutory obligations to provide their reasons in writing for refusing a request to the Accredited User within 28 days after the refusal decision has been made. This provides transparency and accountability for the decision making process of Data Custodians, so that a data request will not be unreasonably delayed or refused.
Our guidance on responding to data sharing requests details timeframes for responses, reasons for refusal and how to provide notice to requestors of a response.
Assessing requests
When requests are received on Dataplace, Data Custodians can assess and provide a response on Dataplace.
The process for assessing data requests on Dataplace is detailed in the following knowledge article.
Other responsibilities
Reporting requirements
Data Custodians must maintain a record of data sharing requests received and reasons for agreement or refusal to share.
