Freedom of Information Officer

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government's Department of Education in Melbourne invites applications for a Freedom of Information Officer to support the FOI Unit and process requests under the FOI Act.

You will coordinate document searches, liaise with applicants, and draft decisions, contributing to timely, fair and transparent outcomes in a dynamic government environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FOI theory and practice.
• Experience processing requests under the FOI Act in a government context.
• Tertiary legal qualification is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating document searches.
• Liaising with FOI applicants and making relevant enquiries.
• Assessing documents for release and drafting FOI decisions under the FOI Act.

Education

Knowledge of FOI theory and practice

Experience in government FOI processing

Tertiary qualification in Legal or similar discipline

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/PES/1951911

Make a meaningful impact in government! Join our team as a Freedom of Information Officer, applying your Freedom of Information (FOI) expertise, critical thinking and stakeholder skills to deliver fair, timely and transparent outcomes.

About the Role

This role will support the Department's FOI Unit to process requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).

The Freedom of Information Officer is responsible for:

• coordinating document searches
• liaising with FOI applicants
• making relevant enquiries, assessing documents for release and drafting decisions under the FOI Act

Employment type: Ongoing - Full time

Attributes

We are seeking a highly capable and adaptable professional to contribute to the delivery of high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong collaboration skills, sound critical thinking, and the ability to identify practical solutions to complex issues. They will bring an understanding of political and organisational context, well-developed interpersonal skills, and the capacity to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. This role requires confidence, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities while working both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of Freedom of Information theory and practice
• Experience in a government department or agency or similar context, with practical understanding and experience processing requests under the FOI Act
• Tertiary qualification in Legal or similar discipline will be highly regarded

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

Freedom of Information (FOI) is located within the Assurance, Knowledge and Executive Services Division (the division). The division provides expert advice and support to the department through a range of portfolio, advisory and assurance services.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au .

For further information pertaining to the role, please conta ct Kathy Maikousis, FOI Manager via email - [e-mail]

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 25 October 2026

Applications close Sunday 25 October 2026 at 11.59pm