Freedom of Information
Reviews
Factsheet
If you are not satisfied with the department’s decision under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982, you have
the right to seek a review of this decision by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (the
Commissioner).
Decisions which can be reviewed
The Commissioner can review the following decisions:
• refusal to grant access to documents or parts of documents
• deferral of access to documents
• the amendment of personal records
• refusal to waive an application fee.
Please note that the Commissioner is unable to review exemptions under section 29A (documents affecting
national security, defence or international relations. Reviews of decisions made under section 29A are
conducted by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Contact details are:
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
55 King Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 1300 01 8228
Timeframes for reviews
An application for review must be made within 28 days of you receiving the decision. The only exception to
this is where the agency has denied access under section 36 of the Health Records Act 2001. Requests for
reviews of these decisions must be made within 70 days.
Freedom of Information Factsheet: Reviews
2
How to request a review
Requests for review must be made in writing within 28 days of receiving the department’s decision and
addressed to:
Victorian Information Commissioner
Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
PO Box 24274
Melbourne Victoria 3001
Phone: 1300 006 842
xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Review application forms are available on the Commissioner’s website: www.ovic.vic.gov.au
If you are not satisfied with the Commissioner’s decision
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Commissioner’s review, you may appeal to VCAT for review.
To receive this publication in an accessible format phone (03) 9096 8449, using the
National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email xxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria, Department of Health, February 2021.
This fact sheet was created by the Department of Health for information purposes only. It is not a
replacement for independent legal advice.
