Access to Hong Kong Government Information


Access to Government Information

Public access to information held by the Government develops -

understanding of policies and decisions
accountability for decisions and actions
awareness of public services
participation in public service issues
confidence in the administration of Hong Kong

In March 1995, the Hong Kong Government introduced a Code on Access to Information to serve as a formal framework for the provision of information by government agencies. The Code has extended to the whole of the Government with effect from 23 December 1996. The Code applies to all government departments as listed at Annex A.

The Code sets out what information must be made available to the public routinely and lays down rules for dealing with requests for access to government information. It is supplemented by Guidelines on Interpretation and Application which are provided to help departments to comply with the Code.

A great deal of government information is available through GovHK, and more will become available as individual departments develop their own home pages. Requests for access to specific information held by departments subject to the Code should be made to the appropriate Access to Information Officer, whose contact details are available by clicking on the department in the list at Annex A to the Code.

The form at Annex C may be downloaded and used to identify and request specific information.

Access to Government Information Home Page

Last reviewed: 18 May 2007