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Regulatory approach

OVIC’s regulatory approach is guided by our Regulatory Action Policy. ‘Regulatory action’ means OVIC activity that promotes, assures and enforces the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) (PDP Act).

OVIC uses the regulatory powers in the PDP Act and FOI Act to engage with the Victorian public sector, foster public trust and awareness of the public sector’s responsibilities, influence government to consider information rights in developing new policies or programs and deter conduct that contravenes or is contrary to the objects of the PDP Act or FOI Act.

When taking regulatory action, OVIC is guided by the following principles:

  • Independent – OVIC exercises its regulatory powers independent of government.
  • Collaborative – OVIC engages with the public and regulated bodies openly and constructively.
  • Targeted and proportional – OVIC targets issues based on how likely they are to occur and how severe the impact would be if they did occur. OVIC takes action that is proportionate to the issue being addressed.
  • Transparent and consistent – OVIC’s decisions, actions and performance are clearly explained and open to public scrutiny. OVIC’s regulatory action is consistent in similar circumstances.
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