Freedom of Information Officer

St Vincent's Health Australia; Melbourne; Presencial; AUD 80 000 - 100 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Wellbeing initiatives

Employee counselling

Work-life balance

Resumo da oferta

St Vincent’s Health Australia is seeking an experienced Freedom of Information Officer for its Regulatory Practice Group in Victoria. The role focuses on managing FoI applications, advising on FoI legislation, and handling requests, exemptions, and communications with applicants.

You will coordinate with internal stakeholders, draft correspondence, and support reporting requirements. The National Legal Team oversees this function within SVHA’s Melbourne operations.

Qualificações

• Experience acting as a Freedom of Information Officer or equivalent role.
• Practical application of FoI Act, Health Records Act and related guidelines.
• Ability to draft templates and briefing material.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with executives and staff.

Responsabilidades

• Administer FoI applications and related work under FoI Act.
• Apply and advise on FoI legislation and policies for health information.
• Process FoI requests, make decisions on releases and exemptions, draft responses.
• Review complaints and coordinate responses to Victorian Information Commissioner reviews.
• Document FoI processes and data reporting.

Conhecimentos

FoI experience

Legislation knowledge

Drafting correspondence

Stakeholder relations

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Job Description

• Fitzroy location
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Work for one of Australia’s leading hospital groups
• Full time role

About the Role

• The Freedom of Information Officer – Regulatory Practice Group is responsible for the administration of Freedom of Information applications and associated work pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
• Apply and advise on Freedom of Information legislation, St Vincent’s policies and guidance material relevant to handling health, personal and corporate information
• Attend to all Freedom of Information enquiries in accordance with the legislative requirements and timeframes including: Assisting applicants where necessary to lodge valid Freedom of Information applications Processing all Freedom of Information requests or consulting with relevant parties for completion Responding to Freedom of Information requests including making decisions about the release of information, managing exemptions and drafting correspondence in relation to these decisions
• Review and respond to complaints made to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
• Assist in managing and coordinating responses to Freedom of Information reviews conducted by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
• Manage and document Freedom of Information processes and data reporting requirements

Your Contribution

• Experience acting as a Freedom of Information Officer (or equivalent role), ideally in a legal practice or health service
• Demonstrated practical experience applying relevant legislation, policy, and exercising sound judgement and decision making in the management of complex health information and Freedom of Information matters
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, including: The Freedom of Information Act, and related Regulations and guidelines, an awareness of reference materials with respect to the interpretation of the Freedom of Information Act and an understanding of the mechanisms for internal and external review of decisions under the Freedom of Information Act The Health Records Act and other legislation, standards or guidelines relevant to the handling of health information and an understandig of the role of the Health Complaints Commissioner
• Demonstrated ability to draft correspondence, templates, briefing material and reports relating to the management of Freedom of Information obligations
• Ability to build trusted relationships with key executives and staff across St Vincent’s and with external stakeholders

What we Offer

• A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs
• Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling
• A healthy work/life balance encouraged

About National Legal Team

The National Legal team is responsible for the delivery of a full range of legal services to all areas of St Vincent’s operations, including identifying legal issues, managing risk and providing practical and timely advice.

Working at St Vincent’s

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve.

You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations). This position is subject to a Victorian government direction regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Successful applicants must meet these vaccination requirements.

Closing Date: 21 November 2026 11:59pm

Reconciliation Action Plan

At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For further information, visit https://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at [e-mail]

View Reconciliation Action Plan Code of Conduct: View Code of Conduct

St Vincent’s Health Australia has been serving Australians with compassionate health and aged care since our first hospital was established in Sydney in 1857. Founded by the Sisters of Charity more than 180 years ago, St Vincent’s is a clinical, research and education leader delivering private hospital, public hospital and aged care services across NSW, VIC and QLD. Our founder, Mary Aikenhead’s vision, commitment and inspiration lives on in us and the work we do. From modest beginnings, St Vincent’s Health Australia is today the nation’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care provider, offering services in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including public and private hospitals and aged care facilities. The St Vincent’s family comprises 22,000 outstanding nurses, researchers, cooks, doctors, executives, administrators, cleaners, volunteers and more.