Who can make a freedom of information request?
We are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act). This Act provides every person with a legally enforceable right to access documents in our possession, subject to certain exemptions. Due to the sensitive nature of the majority of the documents we hold, an exemption often applies to preclude access.
Making a request
A request for access to documents made under the FOI Act must:
- be in writing
- provide a physical or electronic address where we can send our decision
- provide enough information for us to identify the documents; and
- be accompanied by the prescribed application fee.
Request for the documents in our possession, should be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner
Level 27, 500 Bourke Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Or email your request to us foi@lsbc.vic.gov.au.
Access charges (for example, photocopying and search and retrieval charges) may also apply once documents have been processed and a decision on access made. Our Freedom of Information Policy is available on our website here. The application fee may be waived if you can provide evidence of financial hardship.
What happens after a request is made?
You will be notified as to a decision on a request within 45 days of the Board or Commissioner receiving it.
Further information regarding Freedom of Information can be found at website of the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).