Jason McDonald

Solicitor

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About

Jason holds a double degree in Law and Finance from La Trobe University. Jason was admitted to practice law in May of 2025 and joined FOI Solutions in October 2025.

Jason brings a strong understanding of development and implementation of public policy, having worked across the Victorian Parliament and Government including as an adviser to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Jason also gained experience as a paralegal in the commercial litigation section of a large firm, which included working on the largest shareholder class action settlement in Australian legal history.

Combining his experience with a passion for administrative law, Jason enjoys assisting clients to achieve the highest standards of governance.  He understands the often complex and sensitive nature of the matters impacting clients and the need for timely, firm, and practical legal advice.

Professional Experience

  • Amy has dealt with all aspects of FOI including:

    • Training FOI decision makers generally and on specific topics
    • Advising on requests for access to documents
    • Advising on exceptions and exemptions under the FOI Act
    • Assisting agencies with processing FOI requests including processing documents and drafting correspondence advising clients or directly dealing with the FOI/Information Commissioner about reviews or complaints reviewing FOI processes, auditing, etc
    • Advising on and preparing Part II statements
    • Conducting or advising on reviews to VCAT
    • Current author of the Freedom of Information Chapter in Springvale Legal Service, Lawyers Practice Manual.

  • Amy has dealt with all aspects of health and personal information privacy and data protection (under the Health Records Act 2001, Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and repealed Information Privacy Act 2000) including:

    • Assisting with privacy impact assessments
    • Advising on compliance including preparation of collection notices and policies and how to proactively deal with mass breaches
    • Training agency staff on privacy
    • Advising on potential interferences with privacy in numerous scenarios
    • Assisting clients in dealing with Commissioners about privacy complaints
    • Conducting legal proceedings at VCAT

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws, Monash University, 2005

  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Monash University, 2004

  • Admitted to Practice, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2008

    • Member, Law Institute of Victoria (2010 to date);
    • Member, Australian Institute of Administrative Law (2010 to date);
    • Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals Australia/New Zealand Chapter (2010 to date)
    • Member, Institute of Public Administration Australia, (2012 to date)
    • Member, Council of Australasian Tribunals – Victorian Chapter (2013 to date)

Employment History

  • Articled Clerk, Lim Whalen & Co Lawyers (May 2007 to August 2008)

  • Solicitor, Lim Whalen & Co Lawyers (2008 to 2009)

  • Policy Advisor & Project Officer, Department of Human Services (2009 to 2010)

  • Solicitor, FOI Solutions (2010 to 30 June 2012)

  • Senior Solicitor, FOI Solutions (1 July 2012 to 30 June 2020)

  • Associate, FOI Solutions (1 July 2020 to date)

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