Published: 27 November 2023

Australian Information Commissioner Angelene Falk today welcomed the appointments of a standalone Privacy Commissioner and a new Freedom of Information (FOI) Commissioner.

The Attorney-General the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP announced today the appointment of Ms Elizabeth Tydd as FOI Commissioner and Ms Carly Kind as Privacy Commissioner.

Incoming FOI Commissioner Tydd will commence in her role on 19 February 2024 and Privacy Commissioner Kind on 26 February 2024.

“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.

“I look forward to working with the new commissioners in serving the Australian community.”

Ahead of Commissioner Tydd’s commencement, acting FOI Commissioner Ms Toni Pirani will continue her important work, after commencing her appointment in May this year. Commissioner Falk will continue as Privacy Commissioner until Ms Kind commences.