All people have the right to access documents containing personal information about themselves and if necessary to ask that the information be amended or that an explanation be attached to the record if the document contains information that is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading [Freedom of Information Act ss 41, 48]. No fee is payable for amendment and maximum charges apply when seeking one's own personal information.

Regardless of when the file was created, a person can still access personal docments [s 12(2)(a)]. Agencies must consult with individuals before releasing documents containing personal information about them to another person [s 27A], except where no reasonable objection could be made. If the agency decides to release the documents those consulted may ask that the matter be reviewed internally and may also appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to oppose release [s 54, s 59A].