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FOI resources for individuals
In Victoria, you have the right to access documents held by government agencies. This page contains guides and resources to help individuals understand their rights under the Freedom of Information Act.
Latest updates
International Access to Information Day has been updated Updated 11/08/2022
Proactive and informal release of information - guidance for the public has been published Updated 27/06/2022
Consultation on draft FOI Guidelines has been updated Updated 11/08/2022
Make a freedom of information request
How to make a freedom of information request
Learn how to make a freedom of information request for documents held by public sector agencies in Victoria.
Find the contact details of an agency
Use our database to find the contact details of the Victorian public sector agency you want to make a request to.
Watch a video on how to make a freedom of information request
Watch our step by step video on Vimeo on how make a freedom of information request in Victoria.
Exempt documents and information
Read about each of the exemptions and the types of documents that agencies do not need to provide access to.
Make a freedom of information request online
Make your freedom of information request online using the Victorian Government portal.
Watch a video on how to access your health information
This video on Vimeo explains how you or someone acting on your behalf can request access to your health records.
Request a change to a record
How to make a request for an amendment
Learn how to request a correction or amendment to a document that contains your personal affairs information.
Watch a video on requesting changes to your information
This video on Vimeo explains how you can make a request to an agency to change your personal information.
Find the contact details of an agency
Use our database to find the contact details of the Victorian public sector agency you want to make a request to.
Make an FOI complaint
Make an FOI complaint to OVIC about an action taken or action failed to be taken by an agency or Minister.
Learn more about OVIC's FOI complaints process
Read our step-by-step instructions on making a complaint about an agency or Minister, how we handle complaints, and what happens next.
Watch a video on what you can expect when making a complaint
This video on Vimeo explains what you can complain about, how to make your complaint, and our complaint process.
Apply for a review of an FOI decision
Apply to OVIC to review a decision of an agency or Minister
Learn how to apply for an independent review of a decision made by an agency or Minister under the FOI Act.
When you can apply to VCAT for a review of a decision
Understand when a person or business can apply to VCAT for a review of a decision.
Watch a video on what to expect when requesting a review
This video on Vimeo explains when you can request a review, how to request a review, and our review process.
More resources and guidance
Use this tool to calculate the due date for a request made under the Freedom of Information Act.
This calculator can assist in estimating the access charges that are payable on an access request.
Proactive and informal release of information
This guidance helps explain proactive and informal release of information - which involves an agency providing information outside of the formality of making an FOI request.
Search our published review decisions and case notes by keywords, exemptions and sections.
Read our published research and reports on a range of matters related to FOI in Victoria.
Read our Regulatory Action Plan and priorities, and see our investigation and examination reports.
See our submissions on matters impacting on freedom of information, information privacy or information security.