Report on the Inquiry into the Operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) tabled in Parliament
A report tabled in Victorian Parliament today by the Integrity and Oversight Committee marks an important step forward for the future of information access rights in Victoria.
OVIC strongly supports the committee’s recommendation to replace Victoria’s outdated freedom of information laws with a modern ‘right to information’ law.
Victoria is in urgent need of legislative reform, to make it easier and less costly for people to access government-held information. A new law that prioritises the proactive release of information will also help reduce the administrative burden on Victorian agencies and drive down the cost of administering the system.
Overall, the committee made 101 recommendations for reform, addressing aspects of the new law and wider reforms to public sector information and records management. OVIC will now take the time to consider the committee’s findings in detail and provide an official response later this year.
OVIC’s submissions to the Inquiry, including our recommendations, are able to be viewed via the Victorian Parliament website:
- Submission No. 55 (received 15 January 2024)
- Supplementary Submission No.55a (received 31 July 2024)
The report comes as a timely reminder of the importance of facilitating better access to government-held information as Victoria joins agencies across Australia, and the world, in celebrating International Access to Information Day (IAID) on the 28th of September.
OVIC would like to thank the committee and all contributors who provided submissions to this important report.
For media enquiries contact:
Molly Williams
Phone: (03) 8684 7585
Email: media@ovic.vic.gov.au
For general enquiries about FOI in Victoria contact:
Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Phone: 1300 006 842
Email: enquiries@ovic.vic.gov.au