Part II statement – Freedom of Information Act 1982
Introduction
The statements below outline the role and functions of the ARBV, the documents and information the ARBV maintains or holds, and the information that is available to the public on this website and in print materials.
This information is provided as a way 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 ARBV, please note that it is not an exhaustive list of all ARBV documents.
For more information about freedom of information, visit Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Organisation and functions
The ARBV is a statutory authority established under the Architects Act 1991 (Vic). The organisation's purpose is to protect the community interest and instil confidence in the regulation, integrity and delivery of architectural services in Victoria.
The ARBV is responsible for:
- registering and approving
- regulating conduct, investigating complaints and non-compliance
- assisting the Architects Tribunal
- protecting and regulating language
- accrediting courses.
The ARBV consists of a 10-member Board and administrative staff that includes the Registrar/CEO.
The ARBV is an agency under the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and reports to the Minister for Planning.
Resources
- Acts administered by the ARBV; Architects Act 1991
- Regulations; Architects Regulations 2015
- Key structures and functions of the ARBV
- Governance of the ARBV
Categories of documents
The ARBV creates a large number of documents and records in the course of its work. The ARBV uses an electronic document and records management system to classify, store, access and manage a broad range of electronic and hard copy documents.
Document types
The types of documents that the ARBV handles include:
- policies, procedures and guidelines
- briefings and reports
- case files/investigation files
- register
- correspondence
- meeting records
- financial records
- audio-visual material
- meeting minutes and records
- training and educational material
- employee records
- operational records.
Resources
Most documents published by the ARBV are available on this website. Content can be found using the search function to find a specific topic. If you are searching for a specific topic and would like assistance, please email registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au
Freedom of Information arrangements
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, members of the public have the right to request information and access documents about their personal affairs and the activities of the ARBV.
For more information on how the ARBV complies with its freedom of information obligations, see our Annual Report for relevant reporting.
Publications
The ARBV produces a number of publications that can be accessed and downloaded from this website. These include guidelines, reports and other resources such as:
- guidelines
- tribunal reports
- prosecution reports
If you need assistance finding a publication, please search this website or email registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au
Rules, policies and procedures
The ARBV publishes a range of rules, policies and procedures that provides guidance about its operations. These include:
If you are searching for a specific topic, you can search this website or email registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au. Requests should be directed to the Manager Governance.
Report literature
Below are some links to final reports and records of decisions relating to policy published by the ARBV. If you can't find information on a specific topic, please email registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au
Corporate plan, Annual report and Regulatory approach
Making an FOI request
What you can request from the ARBV
You can request:
- information about the ARBV’s operations
- documents held by the ARBV.
Making an FOI request
Your request should include:
- a detailed description of the document/s you would like to access
- 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.
You should clearly set out the document or documents you seek from the ARBV and provide enough detail to enable us to locate them.
Paying the statutory application fee
The statutory application fee for lodging an FOI request is $31.80. Please contact us with your request and we can assist with payment details.
You must pay the FOI application fee for us to start processing your request (or apply for us to waive the fee, if paying the fee would cause you hardship). We accept payment by cheque or by bank transfer.
If you want to pay by cheque, send your cheque with your written FOI request. Your cheque should be made out to: Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
If your request is approved, you may need to pay an extra administrative fee to cover the cost of providing the information.
Submitting your FOI request
You can submit your FOI request by email to registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au (do not include credit card details), or by post, to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Architects Registration Board of Victoria
Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Once we receive your FOI request and the FOI 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 the ARBV is 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. For further information visit ovic.vic.gov.au
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