Freedom Of Information Officer

WorkSafe Victoria; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 92,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkSafe Victoria in Geelong is seeking a Freedom of Information Officer to process FOI requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and WorkSafe procedures, advising staff and the public on FOI requirements.

As an independent decision maker you will meet statutory time frames, liaise with applicants and representatives, and stay current with FOI decisions and related legislation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and FOI procedures.
• Ability to liaise with staff, authors, agents and the public on FOI requirements.
• Ability to meet statutory timeframes and manage information requests.
• Experience in processing FOI requests is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process FOI applications in accordance with the FOI Act 1982 and procedures.
• Advise staff, senior management and the public on FOI processes and requirements.
• Respond to information requests under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013.
• Liaise with applicants and representatives to determine appropriate information access pathways.
• Maintain up-to-date FOI knowledge through professional development and seminars.
• Support subpoenas and other information-related tasks as required.

Skills

FOI knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Deadline management

Job description

WorkSafe is Victoria's workplace health and safety regulator. We are also the workplace injury insurer. Our job is to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. This is our promise to the Victorian community and the reason we exist.

Freedom of Information Officer

• $102,747.00 per annum + 12% superannuation
• Full Time, fixed term opportunity until 17/01/2028 (parental leave)
• Wadawurrung / Geelong based role (hybrid - 3 days a week in office)

About the opportunity

The Freedom of Information Officer will process Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and WorkSafe's FOI Procedures Manual, administrative law principles and relevant case law. The role advises and assists staff, senior management, Authorised Agents and members of the public on FOI processes and legislative requirements. The position also supports access to information requests under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, helping ensure WorkSafe meets its statutory obligations and objectives in an appropriate and timely manner.

Key accountabilities include:

• As an independent decision maker, process FOI applications in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the FOI Professional Standards and WorkSafe's FOI procedures, and ensure the statutory time frames for responding to FOI applications are met.
• Assist in responding where required to requests for information from the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner in relation to complaints and reviews of WorkSafe FOI decisions.
• Process access to information requests under section 9 of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013.
• Support continuous improvement to ensure the current record keeping practices meets the standards expected by the Office of Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) and maintain up to date knowledge of FOI through regular professional development via attendance at OVIC and relevant seminars.
• Liaise effectively with applicants, injured workers and/or their representatives to determine appropriate access to information pathways.
• Ensure risk is managed effectively as decisions made are subject to regulatory, tribunal and judicial review.
• Advise and assist staff, senior management and members of the public in relation to FOI processes and legislative requirements.
• Keep up-to-date with current judicial decisions and emerging trends and issues to ensure FOI Officers are applying the law in accordance with accepted legal precedent.
• Provide document search and administrative support for the processing of subpoenas and other coercive notices served on WorkSafe.
• Undertake projects and general tasks at the request of the Legal Counsel, FOI and Privacy, Manager, FOI and Privacy and Director, Corporate Legal, as required.

Please ensure you review the Position Description for additional information on accountabilities for this role.

About you

You are a highly organised and adaptable professional with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You can analyse complex information, exercise sound judgement, build effective working relationships and manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes. You thrive working both independently and as part of a team and are committed to achieving timely and compliant results.

Additionally, you will possess the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge of the interpretation and application of statutory rules, preferably in the area of FOI.
• Sound interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders from government, the private sector and members of the public.
• High proficiency in the use of IT systems and an ability to adapt to new systems.
• Ability to develop and apply forensic and logical approaches to locating and reviewing complex information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
• Ability to recognise patterns and use initiative to apply knowledge obtained in one area to other areas.
• Advanced organisational and document management skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and work environment.
• Sound database management and reporting skills.
• Experience in a similar role processing FOI requests (highly desired).

Working with us

At WorkSafe, our goal is for every employee to feel connected, safe, and valued within their team, for teams to feel appreciated in the workplace, and for WorkSafe to be respected in the community.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for delivering the best outcomes for the Victorian community. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals, including First Nations people, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and individuals of all sexualities and genders.

What's next?

Applications close 11pm Friday 6 November 2026.

Preferred candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and/or other checks as required for the position as part of the recruitment process.

Eligibility for ongoing employment with WorkSafe Victoria requires Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Due to the volume of applications received, individualised feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to interview stage.

For further enquiries please contact Bianca Stojanovski via email ***************@worksafe.vic.gov.au