FOI Solutions 10th Anniversary Celebration

FOI Solutions was created by Executive Director, Mick Batskos, on 1 July 1998. On 15 October 2008 FOI Solutions celebrated its 10th Anniversary in existence as a law firm with an informal cocktail function. It was held at Rydges Melbourne in Exhibition Street.

Justice Kyrou, Supreme Court and

Registrar Exner, Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The function was attended by a mixture of individuals representing the diverse mix of government clients including Commonwealth statutory authorities, State Government Departments, State statutory authorities, local councils, Universities, water authorities and many others. Also in attendance was Justice Kyrou (Supreme Court), FOI Solutions alumni, tribunal staff, colleagues, family and friends who have had an impact on the establishment and ongoing operation of the firm.

Melinda Richards (Barrister)

Jason Pizer (Barrister)

Tim Ginnane SC (Barrister)

Attendees were greeted by a string quartet and were able to settle in for a relaxing drink, a chat and a nibble as the evening progressed.

The first speaker at the function was Jason Pizer, a pre-eminent and highly respected barrister in the field of administrative law and a friend and colleague of FOI Solutions. He entertained the gathering with his recounting of what was happening in the world in 1998, when FOI Solutions commenced, and some stories about some of the matters he had come across when briefed by FOI Solutions. He graciously focussed on the "unflappability" of Mick Batskos, ably assisted by the wonderful solicitors and staff at FOI Solutions.

Jason Pizer, Barrister

Founder and Executive Director of FOI Solutions, Mick Batskos, then spoke about the challenges of starting up a legal practice from a small serviced office where he was the only person in the business through to the current firm at Level 5, 105 Queen Street where the firm is made up of three lawyers, three part time law clerks and a personal assistant.

Mick recounted some of the more notable achievements of FOI Solutions including:

• Commencing practice with 2 clients (which are still clients of the firm today) through to over 230 clients today;
• Conducting training for over 320 FOI decision-makers from Victoria, the Commonwealth and Tasmania;
• More than 195 agencies purchasing an FOI Procedures Manual developed by FOI Solutions;
• Appearing or being instructing solicitors in FOI proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Supreme Court of Victoria (including the Court of Appeal), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the Federal Magistrates' Court, the Federal Court and as recently as this year, in the High Court;
• Appearing or being instructing solicitors in a total of 77 proceedings that have gone to a final decision in reported or unreported form;
• Conducting State-wide FOI officer training for the Kennett and Bracks governments;
• Drafting FOI Practice Notes which have been published by the Department of Justice for the guidance of all FOI officers in the State.
  

Robyn Cooke (Dept of Human Services)    Robert Yu (VicUrban)                        

Elisa Hesling (Dept of Human Services)

Susannah Whitty (FOI Solutions)

Mick then explained that the "FOI" in FOI Solutions is not just about freedom of information but was more than that. "F" was for freedom of information - FOI Solutions does anything and everything to do with freedom of information.

"O" is for other areas of administrative law including statutory interpretation, Ombudsman inquiries, merits and judicial review, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and records management and archiving.

"I" is for information privacy including advising on privacy (including health records) legislation, compliance audits and reviews, assisting with privacy complaints and investigations, training staff, appearing in VCAT and liaising with Commissioners.

Andy Caprackas (Australia Post)

Deidre Egan (Dept of Sustainability & Environment)

Don Coulson (Opposition Parliamentary Adviser)

In short FOI Solutions is about providing professional excellence in all areas of administrative law.

Needless to say, the evening was a success and a good time was had by all.

Susannah Whitty (Solicitor, FOI Solutions)

Mick Batskos (Executive Director, FOI Solutions)

Wendy Johnson (Adminstrative Assistant, FOI Solutions)

Fahna Ammett (Senior Associate, FOI Solutions)