Use the following categories as well as the Setting restricted access periods (RAP) guide (PDF, 315 KB) to help determine the most appropriate RAP.
You may specify any duration between the minimum and maximum periods outlined below.
The following information and guide takes into consideration requirements under the Public Records Act 2002, schedule 3 of the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) and s.12 of the Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act).
However, it is your agency's responsibility to ensure other legislation and requirements are considered when determining a RAP.
Category 1 - All public records (if not relevant under another category)
Closure period between 0-30 years
This applies to most records, as they are usually of a non-personal or non-sensitive nature. They will likely also have little to no impact on business or agency interests.
A restricted access period set at '0' indicates that the records are not subject to a restricted period and are available for public access immediately on completion of the transfer process.
Category 2 - Personal affairs of an individual
Closure period between:
- 0-30 years (low sensitivity)
- 31-65 years (medium sensitivity)
- 66-100 years (high sensitivity)
Records that contain information about personal affairs may include details about personal relationships, health, domestic or financial obligations.
Note: Personal details may also constitute information about personal affairs.
If a record contains information about personal affairs, consider:
- if the person in question is deceased or likely to be deceased
- if the person was an adult or child at the time the record was created
- concerns about privacy diminish over time–however records relating to child matters may remain highly sensitive
- if any of the information can be found in the public domain such as published material, social media, telephone directories or open court processes
- the sensitivity of the information if it was released.
Category 3 - Information subject to legal professional privilege
Closure period between:
- 0-30 years (low to medium sensitivity)
- 31-65 years (high sensitivity)
This applies to records containing information created during the process of giving or obtaining legal advice or providing legal services.
Consider the sensitivity of the information if it was released when determining the most appropriate RAP.
Category 4 - Information whose disclosure would be found to be a breach of confidence
Closure period between:
- 0-30 years (low to medium sensitivity)
- 31-65 years (high sensitivity)
This applies to records containing information conveyed in confidence under the understanding the information is for a restricted purpose.
Consider the sensitivity of the information if it was released when determining the most appropriate RAP.
Category 5 - National or state security information
Closure period between:
- 0-30 years (low sensitivity)
- 31-65 years (medium to high sensitivity)
This applies to records that contain information that could reasonably be expected to damage the security of the Commonwealth or State.
Consider:
- whether information is current (e.g. building still exists or person is deceased etc.)
- if the information is available in the public domain (e.g. Google Maps, government websites, evacuation plans)
- the sensitivity of the information if it was released.
Category 6 - Law enforcement or public safety information
Closure period between:
- 0-30 years (low to medium sensitivity)
- 31-65 years (high sensitivity)
This applies to records that contain information that could:
- bias an investigation or trial
- endanger a person's life, wellbeing, or physical safety, including harassment and intimidation
- bias the maintenance of law enforcement
- endanger the security of a structure or vehicle
- help in a person's escape from custody
- affect the wellbeing of cultural and natural resources or the habitat of animals and plants which could be prejudicial to their survival.
Consider:
- if the information is available in the public domain (e.g. open court proceedings, media coverage, Google Maps)
- the sensitivity of the information if it was released.
Category 7 - Cabinet matters
Closed for a period of:
- 20 years (for records created after July 2009)
- 30 years (for records created before July 2009)
This applies to documents brought into existence for the consideration of Cabinet.
Category 8 - Executive Council information and ministerial records
Closure period of 30 years.
This applies to records submitted or proposed to be submitted to the Executive Council.
This includes:
- any drafts or copies
- briefings for ministers, the Governor of Queensland or chief executives.