[13 February 2025]

Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC)
PO Box 24274
Melbourne, VIC 3001
Email: enquiries@ovic.vic.gov.au

Subject: Request for Review – IBAC’s Failure to Provide FOI Documents Operation DunhamSubject: Re: FOI Request – IBAC Handling Concerns (CASE-20246844)

Dear Mr. Gilham,

Thank you for your response regarding my FOI request to IBAC. However, I wish to raise the following concerns regarding IBAC’s handling of my request and their failure to comply with public transparency requirements.

1. IBAC’s Failure to Facilitate FOI Requests

• IBAC does not accept FOI requests via email, yet they require a $32.70 application fee to be paid. If IBAC does not have an electronic submission or payment portal process, how do they expect requesters to submit and pay for FOI applications by letter when it formed part of their investigation to my submission through their portal?
• IBAC has failed to provide any clear guidance on how to submit an FOI request in an accepted format.

2. IBAC’s Non-Compliance with Public Information Regulations

• IBAC has not provided the information required under the Public Information Regulations, which should be accessible to the public without requiring an FOI request.
• If IBAC is refusing to release public information, this is a serious breach of transparency obligations and must be investigated.

3. Grounds for an OVIC Complaint

• IBAC’s actions appear to be a deliberate obstruction of access to information rather than a procedural oversight.
• IBAC has failed in its duty to assist requesters in making a valid FOI application and has not provided alternative submission methods.
• If public bodies are allowed to dismiss FOI requests without accountability, this sets a dangerous precedent for government transparency.

Given these issues, I formally request OVIC to investigate IBAC’s failure to comply with FOI laws and public information requirements.

I would appreciate confirmation on how OVIC is planning to move forward with this matter since I am not based in AU.

Best regards,

Martin Newbold

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