Freedom of Information

Before you make a freedom of information request

Many of the documents held by the Chief Examiner – to which secrecy provisions apply – are likely to contain information that is exempt from release under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act).

We already publish a range of information on our website. You may be able to find the information you need without making a freedom of information (FOI) request.

You may wish to contact us to discuss the information you are seeking.

The types of documents that the Chief Examiner and Examiners create and maintain include, but are not limited to:
- audio-visual materials
- correspondence
- briefings, memoranda and reports
- policies and procedures
The Chief Examiner may also hold information from other agencies, such as Victoria Police. Where an access request is made for documents that have come from another agency, the request may need to be transferred to that agency.
Under the FOI Act, members of the public have the right to request access to documents held by the Chief Examiner. Here, we provide general information to assist people making requests for documents or information.

An FOI access request must be in writing. Requests can be sent to:

The FOI Officer
Office of Chief Examiner
8-14 Cobden Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051

Requests can also be sent via email to info@chiefexaminer.vic.gov.au.

For more information on how to make an FOI request, visit the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.

If you make a valid request for access to a document, it will be assessed under the FOI Act. A decision will be made on whether to release the document – either in part or in full.

The Chief Examiner may also refuse an FOI request where processing the request would substantially and unreasonably direct its resources from their other operations. You should try to make your request as specific as possible.

If you are unhappy with an FOI decision, you may complain to or seek review of the decision by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
Our internal rules, policies and procedures include:
- Guidelines
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Instructions
- Fact sheets

How to make a request

Make a request in writing, identifying as clearly as possible which document/s is being requested.

Pay the application fee by cheque or money order, or request that we waive the fee due to hardship.

Email your request to info@chiefexaminer.vic.gov.au, or mail it to:

The FOI Officer
Office of Chief Examiner
8-14 Cobden Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051

Fees and access charges

Fees and charges are determined by the FOI Act and the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations 2014 (Vic).

For more information, refer to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's FOI access charges calculator.

What happens to your request?

Once we receive your FOI request and the application fee, we must respond to you in writing no later than 30 days after receiving the request outlining the decision on your request. If the period for responding to your request is extended, we will write to you to tell you when to expect a response.

No documents exist

If you are not satisfied with a decision that the documents you requested do not exist, you may request a review by the Victorian Information Commissioner.

Other requests

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of any other request to us or have a complaint about the handling of your request, you may request a review by, or make a complaint to, the Victorian Information Commissioner.

The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's website provides further information and forms for requesting reviews of FOI decisions.

Need more information about FOI requests?

If you have specific questions you want to ask us about FOI or would like to find out more about what information we can legally provide, please contact us.

Otherwise, visit the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's website.

Governance

Updated 23 March 2021