Freedom of Information Officer

Worksafe; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 92,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkSafe Geelong-based role is to process Freedom of Information (FOI) requests under the FOI Act 1982 and WorkSafe procedures. You will advise staff, management and the public on FOI requirements and support information access under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013.

You will work across the organisation, ensuring timely, compliant responses while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of FOI case law and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Highly organised and adaptable professional with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.
• Build effective working relationships and manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Process FOI applications in accordance with the FOI Act and WorkSafe procedures within statutory timeframes.
• Advise and assist staff, senior management, authorised agents and the public on FOI processes.
• Support access to information requests under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013.

Skills

Organised

Adaptable

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Prioritisation

IT systems proficiency

Tools

IT systems

Job description

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.

• $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, as required.

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:

• 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.
• Sound database management and reporting skills.