Subpoenas and Requests for Personal Information
The University of Western Sydney receives numerous requests for documents and information (including personal information) held by the University from various sources. The majority of requests are by way of a subpoena.
Subpoenas
A subpoena is an order issued by a court or a tribunal for a person to attend court to give evidence and/or produce documents. Failure to comply with a subpoena within the specified deadline without lawful excuse is a contempt of the court or tribunal and may result in arrest of the person to whom the subpoena is addressed. All subpoenas for production of documents should be addressed to and served on the University of Western Sydney at the Office of the University Legal Counsel as follows:
Office of the University Legal Counsel
University of Western Sydney
Building EQ, Ground Floor
Cnr Victoria Rd, and James Ruse Drive
(entrance via Victoria Rd)
Parramatta South campus
RYDALMERE NSW 2116
OULC does not accept service of subpoenas addressed to individual staff members required to give evidence, and should be served on the individual staff member concerned.
Conduct money is required for all subpoenas. The minimum cost of handling a subpoena at the University of Western Sydney is $55.00 (cheque only) and should be provided upon service of the subpoena for the University to comply with the subpoena.
If a staff member is served with a subpoena to give evidence or produce documents, then they should contact OULC for assistance without delay.
Requests for personal information about University staff or students
The University is subject to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
The University will not disclose personal information about staff or students except as permitted under those Acts. Any requests for personal information about staff members or students of the University should be directed to OULC. These will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s Privacy Policy and Privacy Management Plan.
Requests under Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (formerly the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW))
All requests for access to information under the GIPA Act should be directed to the University’s FOI Officer. For more information, please go to the Policy and Governance website.
If you have any queries in relation to subpoenas or requests for information, please contact Allison Smith in OULC on 02 9685 9333 or legal@uws.edu.au
