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Resources for agencies
Find FOI resources for Victorian public sector agencies
Latest updates
Release of health records held by Victorian public sector agencies has been published Updated 17/11/2022
Introduction to Public Access to Information in Victoria has been published Updated 27/09/2022
Framework for releasing Council information proactively and informally under the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic) and the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) has been published Updated 10/10/2022
Guidance, practice notes and templates
Find detailed guidance on interpreting and administering the FOI Act, exemptions and Professional Standards.
Introduction to public access to information
This guidance contains an overview of FOI, proactive and informal release and more.
Customise our template letters and processing checklists to suit the needs of your agency.
Review FOI decisions made by the Commissioners
Search our published review decisions and case notes by keywords, exemptions, and sections.
View our published review decisions by the month and year of publication.
Each month we publish summaries of key decisions made by the Commissioners.
Decisions on Austlii (External link)
View all our published decisions on the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) website.
Agency FOI Information Service
Access the Agency FOI Information Service
Our Agency FOI Information Service provides Victorian agencies free tailored advice and guidance on the FOI Act.
Guidelines for using the Agency FOI Information Service
Read the guiding principles for Victorian agencies utilising our Agency FOI Information Service.
Calculators
Use this tool to calculate the due date for a request made under the FOI Act.
Use this tool to estimate the access charges that are payable under the FOI Act.
Professional Standards
The Professional Standards detail how agencies must administer the FOI Act.
Professional Standards Framework
The Professional Standards Framework outlines how OVIC regulates compliance with Professional Standards.
Professional Standards Self-Assessment Tool
This Self-Assessment Tool assists agencies to measure their performance against the Professional Standards.
Engagement, reports, and submissions
Investigations and regulatory action
See our investigation and examination reports, and read our Regulatory Action Plan and priorities.
Read our published research and reports on a range of matters related to FOI in Victoria.
See our submissions on matters impacting on freedom of information, information privacy or information security.
International Access to Information Day
International Access to Information Day is held on 28 September to highlight the importance of open government.
Public Access Agency Reference Group
The Public Access Agency Reference Group allows agency representatives to discuss the operation of the FOI Act.
We host a monthly Information Access Series seminar for FOI practitioners in the Victorian public sector.