OVIC’s 2023-24 annual report tabled in Victorian Parliament
Changes.
OVIC’s 2023-2024 annual report was tabled in the Victorian Parliament on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The report, exploring the theme Changes, shows that whilst the environment in which OVIC operates has experienced significant change over the 2023-24 financial year, the services and resources OVIC provides are valued by our stakeholders, both within the Victorian Public Sector (VPS) and beyond.
In 2023-24, OVIC welcomed the new Victorian Information Commissioner Sean Morrison. Mr Morrison has already seen some changes to the Acts we administer in 2024, and has played a role in promoting further legislative reform through OVIC’s submissions to the Integrity and Oversight Committee’s Inquiry into the operation of the Freedom of Information Act.
OVIC continues to develop and distribute resources in line with emerging trends and challenges in the VPS. Public statements developed in response to new technology, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, have provided important guidance for any organisation looking to implement new technology in line with their privacy obligations.
Demand for OVIC’s services continues to grow. In 2023-24, a record 53,159 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests were made to agencies in Victoria with OVIC receiving over 1350 FOI-related review and complaint applications. A record number of 106 privacy complaints were received by OVIC in the same period.
OVIC returned to in-person events, hosting a panel discussion in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the FOI Act at the Wheeler Centre, and launched Privacy Awareness Week 2024 at Parliament House. Online events continue to grow, with more attendees at OVIC’s Information Access Series webinars, Victorian Privacy Network meetings, and Victorian Information Security Network forums, than ever before.
OVIC looks forward to continuing to provide useful, relevant and tailored resources and assistance to our stakeholders in 2024-25, in line with our new strategic vision.
Read the 2023-24 annual report here.