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.
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