International Access to Information Day
International Access to Information Day (IAID) is celebrated each year on 28 September to raise awareness of the importance of open government and the public’s right to access government-held information.
This right to access information held by government is essential for transparent and accountable government in a democratic society, by promoting and facilitating greater public participation and scrutiny, and supporting better decision-making.
In 2025, OVIC celebrated IAID from 29 September to 5 October. You can catch up on the events we hosted and still access the resources we developed below.
Events
Guaranteeing the right to access to information in a turbulent world
This International Access to Information Day (IAID), OVIC was joined by special guest Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi, Director of the Division for Digital Inclusion and Policy and Digital Transformation, and Secretary of the Information for All Programme, UNESCO.
Watch the event recording via the OVIC Vimeo channel
Information Access Series: The ideal state of Freedom of Information in Victoria
Hear about the Victorian Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee’s recommendation to replace the FOI Act with a new Right to information Act in Victoria. This event included discussions on the ways the current FOI Act is failing, and the key features of a new and modern access to information framework, as recommended by the Committee.
Watch the event recording via the OVIC Vimeo channel
Download the slide deck
Supporting Materials
FOI Poster
Click here to download our “What are my FOI rights in Victoria” poster (pdf)
“What are my FOI rights in Victoria” brochure
Click here to download our “What are my FOI rights in Victoria” brochure (pdf)
Joint statement with PROV
OVIC and Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) have developed a joint statement as a commitment to ongoing collaboration between OVIC and PROV. This collaboration is important because of the key link between good records management processes and effective public access to information.
Click here to read and download this resource.
Animations
We have a suite of animations all about FOI in Victoria on our Vimeo page, click on the images below or click here to be taken to our Vimeo FOI showcase page (vimeo.com).
Find out more
28 September marked the 10th anniversary of celebrating International Day for Universal Access to Information. To find out more and see how other jurisdictions celebrated, visit the UNESCO website.