Freedom of Information Officer

Job Description:
Lead transparency, protect patient rights and help shape a better and fairer health system across one of Australia's largest not-for-profit health and aged care organisations.

- Play a critical role in healthcare governance and accountability: Manage Freedom of Information (FOI) applications and information access requests that support transparency, privacy and patient rights across SVHA's public health services.

- Be a trusted regulatory and information access advisor: Partner with senior leaders, clinicians, legal professionals and external regulators to ensure compliance with legislative obligations and best-practice information management.

- Make a meaningful impact: Support patients, families and communities by facilitating lawful access to information while safeguarding sensitive health records and maintaining regulatory excellence.

About St Vincent's Health Australia
At St Vincent's Health Australia (SVHA), we are shaping a future health and aged care system that supports people with life-changing care, wherever and whoever they are.

Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1857, St Vincent's is one of Australia's leading not-for-profit health and aged care organisations. Our 30,000 dedicated people provide compassionate care through public and private hospitals, aged care residences, virtual care and services delivered at home across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Our vision is for every person to receive excellent and compassionate care through a better and fairer health and aged care system. Together, we are focused on enhancing our impact, connecting care and transforming the system.

Our work is grounded in our values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence.

About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Freedom of Information Officer / Information Access Officer to join our National Legal Team within the Regulatory Practice Group .

Reporting to the Head of Legal – Regulatory, this role is responsible for managing Freedom of Information requests and associated information access matters across SVHA's Victorian public health services. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with legislative requirements while balancing transparency, privacy and patient-centred care.

This is a unique opportunity to work on complex and sensitive matters within a purpose-driven healthcare environment, collaborating closely with legal leaders, executives, operational teams and external regulators to support informed decision-making and organisational best practice.

Your Key Responsibilities
As the Freedom of Information Officer / Information Access Officer, you will:

- Manage end-to-end Freedom of Information applications and information access requests in accordance with legislative requirements and statutory timeframes.

- Provide expert advice on the application of the Freedom of Information Act, Health Records Act and related information governance obligations.

- Assess, review and determine requests involving sensitive health, personal and organisational information.

- Prepare decision letters, correspondence, reports, submissions and briefing materials relating to FOI matters.

- Assist applicants and internal stakeholders in navigating Freedom of Information processes and requirements.

- Manage enquiries, complaints and reviews involving the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).

- Coordinate responses to external reviews and regulatory investigations where required.

- Develop and maintain reporting, process documentation and compliance records relating to FOI activities.

- Build productive relationships with operational leaders, clinicians, executives, government agencies and external stakeholders.

- Deliver education and awareness initiatives to improve organisational understanding of information access and privacy obligations.

- Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, improve compliance and enhance information governance practices across the organisation.

- Collaborate with the broader National Legal Team to provide specialist regulatory support and advice.

About You
You are an experienced Freedom of Information, Information Access, Privacy or Regulatory professional who enjoys navigating complex information management challenges and delivering practical, balanced outcomes.
You thrive in environments where stakeholder engagement, sound judgement and attention to detail are critical. You are confident managing sensitive matters, interpreting legislation and building trusted relationships across a diverse healthcare organisation.
You bring a proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, combined with a commitment to transparency, compliance and continuous improvement.

You Will Bring

- Demonstrated experience as a Freedom of Information Officer, Information Access Officer, Privacy Officer or similar role.

- Practical experience interpreting and applying Freedom of Information legislation and managing complex information access matters.

- Strong understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and associated regulations, guidelines and review processes.

- Knowledge of the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and broader health information management obligations.

- Experience drafting formal decisions, reports, correspondence and briefing materials.

- Excellent written communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.

- The ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and meet legislative deadlines.

- High levels of professionalism, discretion and sound judgement when handling sensitive information.

- A collaborative and adaptable approach, with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Highly Regarded

- Experience within a healthcare, hospital, government or legal environment.

- Experience managing matters involving health information and patient records.

- Previous interaction with the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner or other regulatory bodies.

- Understanding of privacy, information governance and regulatory compliance frameworks.

- Experience developing education, training or awareness initiatives relating to FOI or privacy obligations.

Why Join St Vincent's?

- Join a purpose-driven organisation
Help improve access, transparency and accountability across healthcare services that support patients and communities throughout Australia.

- Influence meaningful outcomes
Play a key role in protecting patient rights, supporting informed decision-making and strengthening public trust.

- Work on complex and rewarding matters
Gain exposure to high-impact regulatory, legal and information access matters across a national healthcare organisation.

- Partner with respected leaders and subject matter experts
Collaborate with experienced legal professionals, executives, clinicians and regulatory stakeholders.

- Grow your expertise and career
Expand your knowledge of healthcare regulation, information governance, privacy and compliance within a large and diverse organisation.

- Excellent benefits
Access salary packaging to increase your take-home pay, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support, Fitness Passport access and a supportive, values-driven culture.

Apply Now
Join St Vincent's Health Australia and help strengthen transparency, information access and regulatory excellence across a healthcare organisation committed to providing compassionate care and building a better and fairer health system.

Applications may close before the advertised closing date.
Important Information

Employment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including identification, right-to-work, reference and nationally coordinated criminal history checks. The successful applicant must also comply with applicable St Vincent's Health Australia screening and immunisation requirements.

St Vincent's Health Australia welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to contribute their unique experiences

Closing Date:
29 November 2026 11:59pm

Reconciliation Action Plan:
At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For further information, visit https ://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au
View Reconciliation Action Plan

Code of Conduct:
View Code of Conduct