Under a new framework to commence on 1 November 2010, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner will assume responsibility for both the Privacy Act (Cth) and the Freedom of Information Act (Cth).

The existing office of the Privacy Commissioner will become part of the new office. The Information Commissioner, supported by the FOI Commissioner, will act as an independent monitor of FOI matters and will review FOI access decisions made by agencies and ministers.

The Information Commissioner will also take over most of the Ombudsman’s role in investigating complaints about the handling of FOI requests.