Freedom of Information Officer

Job no: 914425

Work type: Full time

Location: Adelaide Metro Eastern

Categories: Administration, Business and Management, Emergency Services and Emergency Management

• Salary: ASO5 / $85, $95,413.00 p.a.
• Full Time / Term Contract (Up until 31 July 2026)
• 5063 / EASTWOOD

About Us:

SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is South Australia's provider of emergency ambulance transport, clinical care, and patient transport services.

We are committed to ensuring South Australia has access to the best possible emergency medical care, non-emergency transport, and rescue and retrieval services.

Our Vision: An innovative, patient focused, technology enabled, evidence driven, emergency response and health care ambulance service; achieved by exceptional people.

Our Mission: Providing emergency response and health care ambulance services within South Australia, designed and development around patient and community needs, enabling timely and equitable access for our patients to the most appropriate point of care.

Our Purpose: To ensure South Australia thrives by enabling access to emergency and non-emergency ambulance health care and alternative patient pathways while contributing to our state's emergency preparedness and health response capability.

Our Values:

PATIENT FOCUSED: We will put our patients and the safe and quality care we provide them first; in everything we do.

TEAMWORK: We will work across SAAS, our health system, our partners, stakeholders and the community to achieve our goals.

INTEGRITY AND HONESTY: We accept and uphold the standards and expectations of our organisation and communities.

RESPECT AND COURTESY: We will always be respectful and courteous toward our patients, each other, and all those we work with.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: We value our role in the community, and we value the communities we serve.

CHANGE READY: We know our communities' needs will evolve and we must adapt to meet them.

AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP: We will support leadership development for our people at every level.

The Freedom of Information Officer is responsible for the provision of effective Freedom of Information (FOI) services for SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) including assisting relevant stakeholders in the identification, location, and coordination of the retrieval of documents across a diverse range of sites within SAAS and subsequent determinations in accordance with the legislation.

What We Offer:

• Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment with a culture of inclusion and diversity.
• Giving back to the people of South Australia Play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our community.
• We take care of you Access to a range of staff and wellness support programs

Key Responsibilities:

Freedom of Information Processing and Compliance

Process, research, and assess records in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1991 and associated legislation. Prepare FOI determinations within statutory time limits, maintain extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, and ensure SAAS compliance with all FOI requirements including State Records reporting obligations.

External Reviews and Legal Research

Conduct external reviews of FOI determinations by examining relevant documents, identifying legislative issues, and preparing comprehensive determinations. Respond to Ombudsman reviews, liaise with the Crown Solicitor's Office regarding appeals, and conduct legal research on precedents and arguments to support FOI processing.

Records Management and Documentation

Maintain secure electronic systems for managing FOI applications and individual case files incorporating all documented evidence from initial application through to final determination. Retrieve and track records across various SAAS electronic and manual systems in accordance with established procedures.

Legislative Interpretation and Application

Interpret and apply multiple Acts and legislation including the Freedom of Information Act 1991, Health Care Act 2008, Mental Health Act 2009, Coroner's Act 2003, and Child and Young Person's Safety Act 2017. Maintain current knowledge of legislative changes and their impact on FOI processes within the health sector context.

Client Support and Confidentiality Management

Act as first point of contact for FOI enquiries whilst ensuring patient and agency information is handled within strict confidentiality guidelines and privacy principles. Provide expert advice on health sector legislation interpretation, particularly regarding FOI Act applications and requirements

Process Improvement and Team Collaboration

Identify and implement FOI process improvements to enhance service delivery and office efficiency. Promote positive teamwork, undertake accredited FOI Officer training, participate in continuous improvement activities, and contribute to analysing functions and procedures to identify risks and potential enhancements.

Application Information:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply for this role.
• The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
• Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and/or additional relevant history screening that may be applicable and appropriate Immunisation screening.
• SA Health Services are required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy in the workplace.

Job ref: 914425

Enquiries to: Cathie Seal - Business Services & Improvement Manager,

Application Closing Date

Tuesday 16 September 2025 @ 11:55pm

Attachments

Australian applicant guidelines

International applicant guidelines

Advertised: 02 Sep 2025 Cen. Australia Standard Time

Applications close: 16 Sep 2025 Cen. Australia Standard Time