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Overview of freedom of information

Read about FOI in Victoria and our role, and find links to resources for Victorian public sector agencies and individuals.

Freedom of Information Act

Resources for the public and individuals Learn how to find government information, make a freedom of information request, request an amendment to personal information, make a complaint about an agency, and request an independent review of a decision. Resources for Victorian public sector agencies and staff Find practice notes, template letters, review decisions, access charges and due date calculators, and other resources to help Victorian government agencies and staff administer the FOI Act.

What is FOI?

Under the Victorian Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), everyone has the right to request access to documents held by Victorian public sector agencies. Individuals can also ask a Victorian public sector agency to amend incorrect or misleading personal information they hold about them when it is contained in a document.

What is OVIC's role in FOI?

Individuals who have made an FOI request to a Victorian public sector agency can make a complaint to OVIC about how their request has been handled, or request OVIC to review an agency’s decision. OVIC also investigates agencies' compliance with FOI obligations, and provides guidance and training to help agencies better understand their responsibilities.