Acting Information Commissioner\u00a0Joanne Kummrow\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThere is no doubt that these and future cuts to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner\u2019s (OVIC) budget will impact upon our independent regulatory functions oversighting FOI, privacy and information security matters,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Kummrow said the cuts would lead to delays in OVIC\u2019s work in reviewing agency FOI decisions and dealing with complaints from the public, with more than 1100 FOI reviews and complaints received last financial year.<\/p>\n
The cuts come as OVIC\u2019s annual report for 2022\/2023 reveals the number of FOI requests made to government agencies is growing.<\/p>\n
Kummrow said this year\u2019s data shows an increase in complaints about delays in government processing of FOI requests and an increase in requests for reviews, to her office.<\/p>\n
She said OVIC has also halved the number of FOI and privacy training sessions it delivers to public servants, reducing their frequency from monthly to bi-monthly sessions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we are adjusting to these cuts, we will always endeavour to provide independent and quality services to the Victorian public,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Like other integrity agencies the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and Ombudsman Victoria, OVIC is overseen by the parliamentary integrity and oversight committee.<\/p>\n
Kummrow\u2019s comments followed Thursday\u2019s tabling of the committee\u2019s report on the performance of the integrity agencies which included detail about the likely impact of the cuts on OVIC\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
The committee is currently undertaking a review of the state\u2019s FOI Act 1982, the first comprehensive review since the laws came into force.<\/p>\n
Committee chair and Greens MP Tim Read warned that cutting funds to the Information Commissioner would be \u201ca drag\u201d on the FOI system and \u201creduce transparency in government\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cOVIC needs the funds to do its job, especially when we\u2019re holding an inquiry into the Freedom of Information Act,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the Victorian Labor government is serious about transparency, then they can\u2019t defund OVIC to the point where it has to cut staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
A government spokesperson said the Justice Department like all government departments had started work to achieve the savings announced in this year\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work includes helping entities across the justice portfolio find savings,\u201d said the spokesperson.
\u201cWe are continuing to work with OVIC to ensure that they can operate effectively and deliver efficient services to Victorians.\u201d<\/p>\n
Established in 2017, OVIC describes itself as the \u201cprimary regulator and source of independent advice to the community and Victorian government about how the public sector collects, uses and discloses information\u201d.<\/p>\n
The agency\u2019s 2023\/2024 annual report describes OVIC\u2019s \u201cfoundations\u201d as: \u201cTo uphold and administer the information laws that protect every Victorian\u2019s personal privacy, while also ensuring fair access. And to promote and embed a culture of transparency among the Victorian public sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2022 OVIC tabled a report detailing the delays Victorians face with their FOI requests.<\/p>\n
The 2023\/2024 annual report notes that \u201c12 months on, these considerable delays continue to hamper access to information in a timely manner\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. <\/i><\/b>Sign up here<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nMost Viewed in Politics<\/h2>\nFrom our partners<\/h3>\n
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