The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) is seeking an experienced senior Freedom of Information (FOI) officer.

This is a two-year, fixed term position.

About the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA)

The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating early childhood education and care services in Victoria. VECRA works to ensure the safety, wellbeing and development of children in these services through effective regulation, compliance activities, quality assessments and continuous improvement activities.

VECRA plays a critical system management role, providing guidance, oversight and assurance to the sector while supporting high-quality early childhood education outcomes for Victorian children and families.

About the Branch

The Governance and Corporate Support Branch lead the provision of quality corporate support services and functions (including human resources and occupation health and safety, risk and audit, finance, FOI, privacy, fleet, accommodation and organisational strategic projects) which enable successful operation of VECRA. In addition, the Governance and Corporate Support Branch is responsible for the oversight, delivery and reporting of the compliance and audit obligations required of a statutory authority.

About the Role

The Senior FOI Officer's role supports the Manager, FOI & Privacy with the delivery of timely FOI services to applicants, in conjunction with supporting to process requests in accordance with the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act).

The incumbent will build relationships with a range of stokeholds, support and promote the release of documents and making decisions under the Act. They will apply their skills in other related contexts such as reviews and complaints pertaining to the FOI applications.

Attributes





To be successful in this role you will have:

- Extensive experience processing requests under the Act specifically working with complex FOI requests and preparing comprehensive robust decision letters an advantage;
- to process requests and make FOI decisions in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Act and guidelines issued by the Australian Information Commissioner;
- the ability to operate with an increased level of autonomy and accountability and within a team environment;
- to be able to provide skilled and timely advice on a wide range of FOI related matters;
- to be able to review material identified in response to the FOI application to determine relevance and the scope within the Act;
- excellent time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively;
- the ability to manage stakeholders through effective negotiation and influence;
- strong verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications and Experience

This role requires a minimum of two years extensive experience in processing complex FOI requests. Experience in working in a team setting is desirable.

- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and associated guidance material.
- Experience managing complex and sensitive FOI requests, including document assessment, application of exemptions, consultation processes and preparation of legally sound defensible decisions is mandatory.
- Experience with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)



and/or Privacy & Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) is desirable
- Experience working within a Commonwealth Government agency or in an organisation subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Further Information

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

VECRA values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for VECRA, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the VECRA website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about VECRA's operations and employment conditions can be located on the VECRA website.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Monica Barnes, Freedom of Information Manager on 03 7022 5*** or *************@education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks including Working with Children Check. Information provided to VECRA will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 22 October 2026

📌 Senior Freedom of Information Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority
📍 Melbourne