Federal Government restores OAIC to three-commissioner model
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: The Albanese Government has restored the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to a three-commissioner model, with the appointment of standalone Privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI) Commissioners.
The numbers: Elizabeth Tydd has been appointed as the FOI Commissioner for a five-year term, commencing 19 February 2024. Carly Kind has been appointed as Privacy Commissioner, reinstating the standalone position that was abolished by the Coalition. Kind's appointment will commence on 26 February 2024, while outgoing Australian Information Commissioner Angelene Falk will continue until then.
The context: The OAIC is an independent agency within Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus' portfolio, with a focus on privacy, freedom of information and government information policy. For the first time since 2015 the OAIC will have a standalone FOI Commissioner, Privacy Commissioner and Information Commissioner, as Parliament originally enacted.
What they said: "This is a significant and welcome step for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Australian community as we move to a three-commissioner model at a time when access to information and the protection of privacy has never been more important,” Commissioner Falk said.
“The new commissioners will bring considerable expertise to promote and uphold privacy and information access rights. These are both areas that impact all Australians in our daily life across the economy and our democracy. It is exciting to consider how the background and experience of the new commissioners will contribute to our purpose and meet the regulatory challenges of the future."
The source: Attorney-General's Department
