Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives the public a right to apply for access to documents held by the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria (Vetboard Victoria).
Part II statement - Freedom of Information Act 1982
Introduction
The statements below outline the role and functions of the VPRBV, the documents and information the VPRBV maintains or holds, and the information that is available to the public on this website and in print form. This information is provided to reduce the need for members of the public to submit Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. These statements are a statutory requirement under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
While these statements contain an overview of the types and locations of documents held by the VPRBV, please note that it is not an exhaustive list of all VPRBV documents.
For more information about freedom of information, visit Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
Who we are
The Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria is a statutory authority established under the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 (VPA). The purpose of the VPA, in addition to establishing the Board, is to protect the public by providing for the registration of veterinary practitioners and investigation into the professional conduct and fitness to practise of registered veterinary practitioners.
The Board reports to the Minister for Agriculture, who is supported by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The VPRBV consists of a 9-member Board and administrative staff including the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance, Investigations Manager and other supporting staff.
Our functions
Under section 62(1) of the VPA, the Board’s functions are to:
- register persons who comply with the requirements of [the VPA] as to registration so that they may hold themselves out as veterinary practitioners and veterinary specialists in Victoria
- recognise qualifications and accredit courses of training which provide qualifications for registration as veterinary practitioners and specialists
- establish competency in veterinary practice, whether by conducting or arranging examinations or by other means
- investigate the professional conduct or fitness to practise of registered veterinary practitioners and impose sanctions where necessary
- issue guidelines about appropriate standards of veterinary practice and veterinary facilities
- advise the Minister on any matters relating to its functions
- when so requested by the Minister, give to the Minister any information reasonably required by the Minister
- any other functions conferred on the Board by [the VPA].
About us
Categories of documents
The VPRBV creates a large number of documents and records in the course of its work and uses electronic document and records management systems to classify, store, access and manage a broad range of electronic and hard copy documents.
Document types
The types of documents that the VPRBV handles include:
- policies, procedures and guidelines
- briefings and reports
- case files/investigation files
- register of veterinary practitioners
- correspondence
- financial records
- audio-visual material
- meeting papers, minutes and records
- training and educational material
- employee records
- operational records
Freedom of Information request
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, members of the public have the right to request documents held by VPRBV. For more information on how the VPRBV complies with its freedom of information obligations, see our Annual Reports.
Publications, plans and reports
VPRBV publications can be accessed and downloaded from this website. Content can be found using the search function to find a specific topic.
Publications on our website include:
These can be accessed under the “About” page at www.vetboard.vic.gov.au.
Information available from VPRBV
For a fee, persons can purchase single extracts, multiple extracts, or a partial or full copy of the Register of Veterinary Practitioners. More information: Vetboard fees.
The VPRBV website at “search for a vet” can also be searched at no charge to search by a veterinary practitioner’s:
- Last name
- First name
- Registration number
- Postcode
- Suburb
- Specialisation
Rules, policies and procedures
The VPRBV publishes a range of rules, policies and procedures that provides guidance about its operations. These include:
Making a freedom of information (FOI) request
You can request information about VPRBV’s operations and/or documents held by VPRBV.
How to make an FOI request
Freedom of information requests can be lodged via email to [email protected] or by post to:
Chief Executive Officer
Vetboard Victoria
Level 14, 10-16 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Your request should include a detailed description of the document/s you would like to access to, enough detail to enable us to locate them, and payment of the statutory application fee. If you are making the request on someone else’s behalf, you must include their written permission for you to access the information.
We can help you decide the type of documents to request.
Fees and charges
The statutory application fee for lodging an FOI request is $33.60.
You must pay the FOI application fee for us to start processing your request (or apply for us to waive the fee). Extra access charges may be payable if your request is approved and there are many documents and searching for the material will take significant time.
FOI process
After we receive your FOI request and application fee, we will respond to you in writing as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days, with an outline of our decision. The 30-day time frame may be extended in certain circumstances, including where we are required to consult with third parties, or where you agree to an extension of time.
If we refuse you access to the documents sought, you may apply to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) for a review of our decision. You must do so within 28 days of the date the decision was sent to you by us. The Information Commissioner has 30 days to conduct the review unless you agree to an extension in time.
Enquiries and assistance
Further information about the Freedom of Information Act 1982, requesting information under FOI or making an FOI complaint is available at Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
You can also make enquiries about Freedom of Information to Vetboard Victoria on (03) 9620 7444 or email: [email protected]