Budget Cuts Threaten Victoria's Freedom of Information | Sydney News

VIC’s freedom of information watchdog, OVIC, is under fire as it faces nearly 10% budget cuts—forcing layoffs and threatening its ability to uphold transparency. With workloads doubling and staff shrinking, the agency struggles to handle a 35% surge in complaints, while the Department of Justice faces a $200 million spending squeeze. Critics, including Professor Gabrielle Appleby, warn that cutting funding to watchdogs contradicts claims of government integrity. A parliamentary committee urges OVIC be funded independently, like IBAC, to shield it from departmental control. Despite government claims of efficiency, advocates say this erosion weakens democratic accountability. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7464c9dbd3d03ece