Victoria is commemorating the 40th anniversary of its Freedom of Information (FoI) Act with a comprehensive review.

The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, led by Sven Bluemmel, has expressed enthusiasm for an in-depth examination to mark the groundbreaking legislation’s anniversary.

With Victorians making more requests for government information than any other Australian jurisdiction, Bluemmel has highlighted the significance of the FoI legislation. 

The state witnessed a record-breaking 43,978 requests during the 2021-22 period.

However, this surge in requests has led to a backlog, as agencies struggle to meet the statutory time frames outlined in the legislation. 

Bluemmel expressed concern, saying; “We are seeing a continuing trend of Victorians waiting longer to access information, which goes against the intent of the legislation”.

In September 2021, the commissioner recommended a review of the legislation to ensure its relevance in contemporary times. 

Bluemmel warmly welcomed the first step towards reform initiated by the legislative assembly and the committee, recognising the importance of the FoI Act in granting the public's legal right to access government-held information.

The upcoming inquiry provides an opportunity to revamp the act, aligning it with the demands of the digital age. 

Bluemmel says there is a need to simplify, expedite, and reduce costs associated with accessing government-held information for all Victorians.