Complaints about us
If you have a complaint or feedback about a service we have provided
You should first contact the staff member involved by phone or email and detail your concerns. The staff member will try to address your concerns.
If you still have concerns with a service we have provided you can email feedback@ovic.vic.gov.au detailing your concern or contact us to discuss further. Your complaint will then be considered by our Complaints Coordinator. The Complaints Coordinator may refer your complaint to another OVIC manager to consider.
After considering your complaint, we will provide a response in writing. We aim to do so in 30 days.
By making a complaint about OVIC, OVIC may collect your personal information including name, email address, phone number, postal address and details about your complaint. OVIC collects this information to be able to respond to your complaint.
OVIC may disclose your personal information to third parties (such as an organisation related to your complaint), where it is required for the purpose of investigating and responding to your complaint. Additionally, OVIC may disclose your personal information in the performance of its functions and activities or where required or authorised by law. For more information about when OVIC may disclose your personal information, see OVIC’s privacy policy.
You may contact OVIC to request access to your personal information via enquiries@ovic.vic.gov.au. Requests for access to and/or correction of documents containing personal information held by OVIC will be handled in accordance with the FOI Act. Please also see OVIC’s privacy policy.
You do not have to identify yourself. However, please be aware that OVIC may not be able to respond to your complaint if you choose to remain anonymous.
Complaints to the Victorian Ombudsman
The Victorian Ombudsman can enquire into, or investigate, any administrative action taken by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) (PDP Act).
Note that the Victorian Ombudsman cannot enquire into or investigate any administrative action taken under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act). If your complaint relates to a function this Office made under the FOI Act, see below.
The Victorian Ombudsman can be contacted at:
Post: Level 2, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Email: complaints@ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 806 314
Website: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/complaints/
Complaints to the Integrity and Oversight Committee
The Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 (Vic) allows the Integrity and Oversight Committee to consider and investigate complaints concerning the Information Commissioner and the operation of the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
Note that the Integrity and Oversight Committee cannot reconsider a decision, finding, or recommendation of the Information Commissioner or Public Access Deputy Commissioner in relation to an investigation, review or complaint under the FOI Act.
The Integrity and Oversight Committee can be contacted at:
Post: Parliament House, Spring Street
East Melbourne Victoria 3002
Email: ioc@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8682 2815
Website: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/ioc/function-iao
Complaints to Integrity Oversight Victoria
Integrity Oversight Victoria can receive certain complaints about the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner’s exercise of coercive powers and compliance with procedural fairness requirements during investigations and the making of reports.
Integrity Oversight Victoria can be contacted at:
Post: PO Box 617 Collins Street West
Melbourne Victoria 8007
Email: info@integrityoversight.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8614 3225
Website: https://www.integrityoversight.vic.gov.au/
Public interest disclosures
The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic) provides protections for people who report improper conduct and corruption in the Victorian public sector. Protections include keeping confidential the identity of the person reporting improper conduct and protecting them from reprisals including bullying, harassment, or legal action. Any report of improper conduct or corruption in relation to the Information Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners or any OVIC staff may be made to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) or to the Victorian Ombudsman.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission can be contacted at:
Post: Level 3, 2 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Email: info@ibac.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 422 284
Website: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
The Victorian Ombudsman can be contacted at:
Post: Level 2, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Email: complaints@ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 806 314
Website: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/complaints/