In a move that fulfils an election commitment, the Albanese Government has appointed standalone Privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI) Commissioners to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

This marks the first time since 2015 that the OAIC will have separate FOI Commissioner, Privacy Commissioner and Information Commissioner roles.

Elizabeth Tydd has been appointed as the FOI Commissioner for a five-year term, commencing from 19 February 2024. Tydd brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Information Commissioner and CEO of the NSW Information and Privacy Commission since 2013.

The Privacy Commissioner role, previously abolished by the Coalition, has been reinstated. Carly Kind, the inaugural Director of the London-based Ada Lovelace Institute since 2019, has been appointed to this role and will begin her tenure on 26 February 2024.

The current Australian Information Commissioner, Angelene Falk, will continue in her role as Privacy Commissioner until Kind commences her role.

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP congratulated Tydd and Kind on their appointments. "I am confident that Ms Tydd and Ms Kind will bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to these important roles," he said.

Dreyfus also extended his gratitude to Falk and Toni Pirani, who has been acting as FOI Commissioner since May 2023, for their services.

These appointments signal a renewed focus on privacy and freedom of information issues within the Australian Government.