FOI Support Officer

About the Branch/Group

The Freedom of Information (FOI) team is part of the department’s legal team.  The FOI team processes requests for information received by the department under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).   This involves assessing whether requests are valid, coordinating searches for documents, discussing requests with relevant areas of the department, considering whether documents may be exempt, and providing documents to the applicants.  As an FOI Support Officer, you will need to be enthusiastic, organised, and comfortable working with a range of stakeholders, to meet strict deadlines. 

Key Accountabilities

• Provide administrative and technical support for FOI Officers and departmental staff to support the timely processing of FOI requests in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Analyse applications made under the FOI Act, initiate and coordinate both internal briefing processes (including preparation of briefing materials) and consultation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with processing, tracking, and reporting on FOI requests and maintain accurate and complete records of ongoing and historic FOI work activities, including for the purposes of periodic statutory and senior executive reporting.
• Prepare draft correspondence and written responses to FOI applications and coordinate processing of materials including required redactions.
• Initiate and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at peer and senior levels to facilitate timely processing of FOI requests.
• Assist with FOI operational needs including but not limited to OVIC complaints and reviews, VCAT matters, ad hoc and regular reporting and FOI education and training. Provide general support in preparation of correspondence, as required and responding to ad-hoc tasks that arise.

About You

• Under guidance, organise and prioritise and deliver on work and adhere to procedures.
• Ability to communicate, work effectively and show initiative both independently and in a team environment.  
• Ability to build and manage relationships with other staff and a range of stakeholders.
• Strong project management and computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• An interest in learning and working in a legal compliance function.

This role is an ongoing  position. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

For more information, please see the Position Description

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 1 September 2026 11:59pm. All applications should include:  

·       a resume; and  

·       a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DTF actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DTF can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.