Victoria Legal Aid

Freedom of information

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, you can apply to get documents from us or to make a change to personal information that we hold.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic)External Link , you have the right to access documents we possess.

You can make a freedom of information request if you want to:

  • access documents held by us
  • change personal information that we hold about you.

What documents you can access

You can get copies of any of our documents if the document:

  • is not already publicly available (for example, in a library or on a public register)
  • is not considered an ‘exempt’ document.

We consider all requests on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

Making a request

You must submit a freedom of information request in writing. Send by email to foi@vla.vic.gov.au or by post to:

Freedom of Information
Victoria Legal Aid
GPO Box 4380
Melbourne VIC 3001

Requests must be clear and unambiguous. We can help if you are not sure how to make your request.

We will decide on your request as soon as possible. The standard timeframe to process a freedom of information request is 30 days. However, the legislation allows for an extension of time in certain circumstances.

Application fee

Your request must be accompanied by the $31.90 application fee or evidence you qualify to have the fee waived due to hardship (for example, a copy of a health care card).

Changing personal information we hold about you

We do our best to make sure our records are accurate, but sometimes there may be mistakes in the documents or information we hold about you. You can request that we correct information if it is wrong, incomplete, out of date, or would give a misleading impression.

You must still apply in writing to change your personal information, but you do not have to pay a fee.

If you are unhappy with our decision

If you are unhappy with how we have handled a request for information you can contact us to discuss your concerns. If this does not resolve your issue, see the freedom of information websiteExternal Link to find out how to make a complaint or seek a review of our decision.

Contact

For more information, contact our freedom of information officers at foi@vla.vic.gov.au or (03) 9280 3789.

Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 21 August 2023

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