Manager, FOI and Legal Compliance

About the role:

As the Manager of the Freedom of Information and Legal Compliance unit, reporting directly to the Executive Director, Public Law and Legislation, you will be accountable for the department's obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and associated professional standards. You will oversee the delivery of the department's legal compliance functions,  including the development and maintenance of  instruments of delegation, authorisation and legal compliance registers, when a need is identified.

Additionally, you will ensure the proactive environmental scanning of bills and legislation to ensure the department is aware of any changes at a federal or state level that may impact upon the department. You will also be responsible for the management and delivery of the department's response to parliamentary Orders for Production from the Legislative Council including the development and coordination of the relevant Cabinet package, advice and confirmation of executive privilege claims, and liaison with the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Strategically design and develop the delivery of the functions in line with departmental objectives.
• Proactively lead the legal compliance function for the department by ensuring regular and scheduled updates to delegations in consultation with stakeholders and oversee necessary legal compliance functions and registers for the benefit of the department.
• Demonstrate how the actions and outcomes of this role and work unit impact clients and the department's ability to deliver, or facilitate the delivery of, effective support and services.
• Forge strong connections across the department and with external stakeholders to facilitate a partnership approach in achieving unit objectives.
• Oversee, review, and approve FOI decisions presented by the FOI team to ensure technical elements of the Act and common law have been appropriately applied to maintain excellence in statutory decision making.
• Manage Orders for Production the department is responsible for, including the development of the associated Cabinet package, the application of executive privilege, and managing key stakeholders within the department, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and the Victorian Solicitor General's Office.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in fields related to law, or public administration would be desirable.

Specialist Expertise

• Demonstrated experience in processing of FOI applications or legal compliance is desirable.
• Experience in providing leadership and guidance to team members would be expected.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the 'Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at  For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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