The Attorney General has announced his intention to appoint a standalone Privacy Commissioner to deal with the growing threats to data security and the increasing volume and complexity of privacy issues.

Currently, the Australian Information Commissioner, Ms Angelene Falk, holds a dual appointment as the Privacy Commissioner. Ms Falk will remain as Information Commissioner and head of the OAIC.

She will continue as the Privacy Commissioner until a new separate Privacy Commissioner is appointed.

An acting Freedom of Information Commissioner has also been appointed.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner was initially set up with three commissioners but has been operating with one since 2015.

In 2022 the Privacy Commissioner was given expanded enforcement powers.

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Author: David Jacobson
Principal, Bright Corporate Law
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The information contained in this article is not legal advice. It is not to be relied upon as a full statement of the law. You should seek professional advice for your specific needs and circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.