Freedom of Information Officer
- Salary Range Band 6 $102,620 - $111,855 plus 12% super
- Permanent, Full time
- We are a diverse & inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible
About City of Port Phillip
We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.
What’s the role all about
We're seeking a motivated and detail-focused professional to coordinate and administer Freedom of Information applications in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).
As Council's key FOI contact, you will work across the organisation to support the timely, accurate and fair processing of requests, provide expert legislative advice, and help strengthen information access practices. You will also contribute to privacy-related matters and broader governance initiatives, offering a unique opportunity to develop experience across multiple governance disciplines.
This role also offers the opportunity to broaden your experience across privacy, information governance and governance advisory functions while working closely with experienced governance professionals.
What you might do
- Manage the end to end processing of FOI applications including validating requests, supporting and conducting document searches, assessing excemptions and preparing decision notes.
- Provide clear advice to staff and stakeholders on FOI requirements and statutory obligations.
- Prepare statistical information and reporting for OVIC and Council’s annual reporting obligations.
- Coordinate responses to OVIC reviews and VCAT matters relating to FOI decisions.
- Support the development of awareness initiatives and FOI guidance across the organisation.
- Assist the Senior Privacy & FOI Advisor with privacy matters and broader Governance projects.
Who we are looking for
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated experience administering Freedom of Information matters within local government or the public sector.
- Sound knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and the ability to interpret and apply legislative requirements.
- Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing well-reasoned, accurate and defensible decisions.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and statutory timeframes.
Our work environment
We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.
Proudly as one we all take accountability to put our community first. Together we work, creatively and strategically we think and with courage comes growth and with integrity we perform.
What’s in it for you
- We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs
- Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
- Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!
- Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work
- Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology
Security Requirements and Professional Obligations
Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.
Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:
- Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
- Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and
- Sufficient proof of their identity.
- Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
So, what’s next?
Hit that APPLY button now!
Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this!
Please submit;
- Resume – latest and detailed version
- Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).
Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered.
For further information please contact Alli Griffin, Senior Privacy and FOI Advisor via phone 0434 074 492, or email [email protected]
Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 13 September 2026.
The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.
If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: [email protected]
