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 (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.
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You can find information about the organisation and functions of the Chief Examiner and the Office of Chief Examiner on this website.
You can also find the legislation where this is set out on our legislation and case law page.
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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.
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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 3051Requests 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 .
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.
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Publications and reports relating to the Chief Examiner are available on this website.
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Our internal rules, policies and procedures include:
- Guidelines
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Instructions
- Fact sheets
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We do not publish reports or other information relating to the performance of the functions of the Chief Examiner.
We publish a link to annual reports relating to the performance of the Chief Examiner and Examiners under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004 by the Victorian Inspectorate and before that, by the Special Investigations Monitor.
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 .
For more information, refer to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's FOI access charges .
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 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 .
Reviewed 23 March 2021