Experienced FOI Officer sought for a Federal Government contract

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- Initial 4-month contract with extension potential
- Must be an Australian citizen

McArthur is seeking an experienced APS5 Freedom of Information Officer to join a large Federal Government department within its Information Access function.

This is an initial four-month labour hire contract , with the possibility of extension for further periods of up to 12 months.

The successful candidate will manage a range of personal and non-personal information access matters and provide accurate, timely and legally sound support across Freedom of Information, administrative access and related information-release processes.

The opportunity

Working within a rapid-paced Information Access team, you will manage FOI matters from receipt through to finalisation. You will coordinate searches across the department, review and assess information, prepare correspondence and recommendations, and ensure matters are progressed within applicable statutory timeframes.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive information appropriately.

Key responsibilities

- Manage and process personal and non-personal requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Process administrative access and other information-release matters.
- Review and assess documents relevant to information access requests.
- Apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures and information-management requirements.
- Coordinate document searches across multiple departmental business areas.
- Create, distribute and monitor search requests and collate responses.
- Prepare decision correspondence, briefs, reports, recommendations and talking points.
- Contribute to submissions, responses and reporting provided to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
- Manage stakeholder enquiries,



resolve escalated issues and refer complex matters where appropriate.
- Undertake quality assurance and ensure adherence to relevant legislation and internal procedures.
- Maintain accurate and secure records in accordance with departmental information-management requirements.
- Support, coach and mentor junior team members.

About you

To be considered, you will have demonstrated experience processing Freedom of Information or equivalent statutory information access requests within a Commonwealth, state or territory government environment.

You will also demonstrate:

- Experience managing FOI matters, including administrative access and decision-making.
- Sound understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and related information-access obligations.
- Experience reviewing documents, applying exemptions or redactions and preparing decision correspondence.
- Strong research, analysis and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
- Excellent written communication and attention to detail.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and consultation skills.
- Sound judgement when handling sensitive and personal information.
- Experience providing quality assurance, coaching or guidance to other staff.

Experience handling privacy matters, subpoenas, notices to produce, internal reviews or OAIC matters will be highly regarded.

Eligibility and security requirements

- Australian citizenship is mandatory.
- A current Baseline security clearance is preferred.
- Candidates without a current clearance must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline clearance.
- The successful candidate will be required to complete departmental pre-engagement screening and criminal history checks.

What is on offer

- 37.5 hours per week.
- Initial four-month contract.
- Potential extensions of up to a further 12 months..
- Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated with the manager.
- Meaningful work supporting transparent and accountable government decision‑making.

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📌 Freedom of Information Officer (Australia)
🏢 Wellington Shire Council
📍 Australia