Freedom of information requests

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) gives you the right to access information held by us.

Before you make a freedom of information (FOI) request

It is important for you to know access to a large number of our documents and other information is limited by the proper application of exclusions provided for under the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic).

Some documents and information including complaints and our investigations conducted are covered by exemptions and will not be released under freedom of information.

We already publish a range of information on our website. You may be able to find the information you need without having to make an FOI request.

Freedom of Information Part II statements

For the benefit of Victorians, we release information in a range of ways including online and in print publications.

The Freedom of Information Part II Information Statements (below) outline how we make information readily available to the public, reducing the need for members of the public to submit requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).

If you have questions about freedom of information, or would like to find out more about what information IBAC can legally provide, please contact us on 1300 735 135 or FOI@ibac.vic.gov.au.

  • The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is Victoria’s largest anti-corruption agency, responsible for strengthening the integrity of the public sector and to enhance community confidence in public sector accountability. 

    IBAC’s objectives and functions are set out under the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic), and are to: 

    • provide for the identification, investigation and exposure of serious corrupt conduct, and police personnel misconduct
    • assist in the prevention of corrupt conduct, and police personnel misconduct
    • facilitate the education of the public sector and the community about the detrimental effects of corrupt conduct and police personnel misconduct on public administration and the community and the ways in which corrupt conduct and police personnel misconduct can be prevented
    • assist in improving the capacity of the public sector to prevent corrupt conduct and police personnel misconduct.

    Information relating to the organisation and function of IBAC can be found on the About Us section of this website.

    Category/topic Resource location

    Acts relevant to IBAC

    Key legislation and regulatory framework 

    Key structures and functions IBAC
    (Organisational chart)

    About us ('Our people' tab)

    What we do

    About us ('What we do' tab)

     You can also contact us directly to seek information on our operations.

  • The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) creates a large number of electronic and hard copy documents in the course of its work. To assist in the management of its records, IBAC uses an electronic document and records management system to classify, store and access a broad range of documents.

    The types of documents that IBAC creates and handles include, but are not limited to: 

    • correspondence 
    • case files 
    • briefings and reports 
    • meeting records 
    • reviews 
    • policy, procedures and standards 
    • registers 
    • financial records 
    • audio-visual materials and transcripts 
    • education resources.

    The site map of this website shows the areas of work that IBAC undertakes and is where you may be able to find more information.

    Documents created by the Office of Police Integrity that are held by IBAC

    IBAC also holds all electronic and hard copy documents created by the former Office of Police Integrity (OPI). In broad terms, the types of documents that OPI created are the same as those types created by IBAC (listed above).

    On 10 February 2013 the OPI and the Office of Director, Police Integrity, were abolished and succeeded by IBAC*. 

    All information, documents, reports, records and equipment in the possession or control of the OPI under the Police Integrity Act 2008 (Vic) (PI Act), any other Act or otherwise, were transferred to the custody of IBAC and are taken to be information, documents, reports, records and equipment in the possession or control of IBAC** .

    Many former OPI resources can be accessed on this website through our publications and resources.

    *pursuant to clause of Schedule 1 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic) (IBAC Act)

    **by operation of clause 6 of the IBAC Act

  • Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act), members of the public have the right to request information and access documents about their personal affairs and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s (IBAC) activities. IBAC’s website provides general information to assist people making requests for documents or information.

    A freedom of information request must be made in writing. Please see the 'How to make a request' section below. 

    The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's website contains further information how to access documents or information under the FOI Act.

    Information on how to make a freedom of information request and how IBAC is complying with freedom of information obligations is also published in IBAC’s annual report.

    Exclusions

    Please check these exclusions prior to making a freedom of information application.

    Certain IBAC and Office of Police Integrity (OPI) documents are excluded from the scope of the FOI Act.

    Excluded documents under the FOI Act
    IBAC documents OPI documents Public interest disclosures

    Section 194 of the IBAC Act states that the FOI Act does not apply to a document that is in IBAC’s possession to the extent to which the document discloses information that relates to:

    - a complaint received by IBAC

    - an investigation conducted under the IBAC Act

    - a recommendation made by IBAC under the IBAC Act

    - a report, including a draft report, on an investigation conducted under the IBAC Act

    - information received by IBAC under s 56 of the IBAC Act (information relevant to the carrying out of IBAC’s investigative functions)

    - a notification made to IBAC under s 57 of the IBAC Act (information regarding corrupt conduct)

    Section 51 of the PI Act states that the FOI Act does not apply to a document to the extent to which the document discloses information that relates to:

    - a complaint investigated by the Director under Part 3 of the Police Integrity (PI) Act

    - an investigation under Part 3 of the PI Act, whether in relation to a complaint or otherwise

    - a report on that investigation, including a report on the progress of the investigation

     

    Section 78 of the PI Act states that the FOI Act does not apply to a document to the extent to which the document discloses information that:

    - relates to a public interest disclosure

    - relates to an assessable disclosure

    - is likely to lead to the identification of a person who made a public interest disclosure

    These are broad categories and include all documents and information relating to a complaint or investigation. 
    These exemptions apply even if you are the complainant or person who has been under investigation by IBAC or OPI.

    If any of the above exclusions apply to a document, the document will not be considered or provided under FOI and an application will not be successful under the FOI Act. 

    If a document or information is not subject to the above exclusions, it will be assessed by IBAC under the FOI Act. A decision will be made on whether or not to release the document or whether an exemption under the FOI Act applies.  You can make a request by completing an FOI Request Form and sending it to IBAC. Your request should set out clearly the documents or information you seek from IBAC, with enough detail to enable IBAC to identify the relevant material.

    IBAC may also refuse an FOI request where processing the request would substantially and unreasonably direct IBAC's resources from its other operations. You should therefore try to make your requests or access as specific or reasonably possible in the circumstances.

  • The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) produces a range of publications, many of which you can find in the publications and resources section of this website or via the site map.

    Translations of some IBAC publications are also available.

    Enquiries about publications can be directed to:

    Manager Communication
    Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission
    GPO Box 24234
    Melbourne VIC 3001

    Or by email to communications@ibac.vic.gov.au.

    Key publications can be found in the publications and resources section of our website for the following topics:

    • Preventing corruption
    • Annual reports
    • Parliamentary reports
    • Research

    IBAC must also publish an annual report containing a broad range of information about IBAC and its activities. 

  • The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) publishes final reports and records of decisions relating to policy.

    Former OPI resources can also be accessed  in the publications and resources section of our website and includes a number of final reports and reviews.

    Key publications can be found in the publications and resources section of our website for the following topics:

    • Research reports
    • OPI annual reports
    • OPI Parliamentary reports
    • OPI prevention and education resources
    • Other OPI documents and papers

How to make a request

  1. Download and complete the Freedom of information request form
  2. Complete a cheque or money order for AUD $30.60
  3. Mail your completed form and money order to:

    Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission
    Freedom of Information Officer
    GPO Box 24234
    Melbourne VIC 3001

    Alternatively, you may email your completed request form and any attachments to FOI@ibac.vic.gov.au. IBAC will then contact you to arrange payment while handling the request.

Excluded documents

If you are not satisfied with a decision that no documents exist to which the FOI Act applies, you may request a review by the Victorian Information Commissioner.

Other requests

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of any other request to us or have a complaint about the handling of your request, you may request a review of our decision by the Victorian Information Commissioner.

The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's website provides further information and forms for requesting reviews of freedom of information decisions.

Need more information about FOI requests?

Visit the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner's website.

If you have specific questions you want to ask us about freedom of information, or would like to find out more about what information we can legally provide, please contact us on 1300 735 135 or FOI@ibac.vic.gov.au.