Vacancy Details

Freedom of Information Officer

  • Salary Range Band 6 $99,631 - $108,597 plus 12% super 
  • 6 month Full time role, long service leave backfill/secondment opportunity
  • We are a diverse & inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible 

What’s the role all about 

We're seeking a motivated and detail-focused FOI specialist with solid experience to co-ordinate and administer freedom and information applications in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for FOI matters, guiding internal staff, engaging with applicants and ensuring accurate, timely and fair processing of requests. You will also contribute to developing FOI guidance materials, supporting privacy related matters and assisting the Governance team with priority initiatives. 

What you might do 

  • Manage the end to end processing of FOI applications, including validating requests, supporting and conducting document searches, assessing exceptions and preparing decision notices
  • 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.
  • 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

Who we are looking for 

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or proven experience administering FOI matters in local government or the public sector.
  • Strong ability to interpret legislation and apply FOI statutory requirements.
  • Excellent written communication skills, including preparing accurate and defensible decision notices.
  • Confident working with stakeholders across the organisation and handling sensitive or confidential information.
  • Highly organised, with the ability to manage deadlines and prioritise competing FOI requests.

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, including:

  • 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 on phone 0403 242 260, or email alli.griffin@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 15 March 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: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

South Melbourne > Port Melbourne > Albert Park > Middle Park > St Kilda > Balaclava > Ripponlea > Elwood