Freedom Of Information Officer

Description:

Join a dynamic local council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and play a critical role in managing Freedom of Information (FOI) requests ensuring compliance with legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

As an FOI Specialist, you’ll work closely with the Information Management, Legal, and Risk teams to deliver high-quality service to internal stakeholders and the public. You’ll be the expert on FOI and related information access legislation, managing complex requests and promoting best practices across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process FOI and other information access requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic), and related legislation.
• Provide expert advice and training on FOI to internal stakeholder
• Collaborate across departments to resolve complex information access issues.
• Liaise with the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) as required.
• Maintain and update FOI policies, guidelines, and the council’s FOI webpage.
• Prepare annual reports, subpoenas, and other official documentation.

About You:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field and/or extensive experience processing FOI and information access requests.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian FOI, privacy, and records legislation.
• Proven ability to interpret complex requests and apply sound judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs related to FOI and information governance.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a high-performing team.