Freedom of information requests

Statement 1 – Organisation and functions

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.

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

Statement 2 – Categories of documents created by IBAC 

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

Statement 3 – Freedom of information arrangements 

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.

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.

Statement 4 – Publications 

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. 

Statement 5 – Rules, policies and procedures 

Our internal rules, policies and procedures:

• Confidentiality
• Protected disclosures
• Key legislation and regulatory framework
• IBAC policies
• Our accountability

Statement 6 – Report literature  

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