the information commissioner
information commissioner
Deirdre O’Donnell is the inaugural New South Wales Information Commissio
ner.
As Commissioner her role is to champion the new regime set up under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW). This includes providing advice and assistance to agencies to ensure they proactively release government information, promoting awareness of the public’s enforceable rights under the new regime, monitoring compliance, and receiving and investigating complaints.
Prior to taking up this role, for almost three years Ms O’Donnell held the position of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman where she led the TIO scheme through unprecedented growth.
From 2002 to 2007, she was the Western Australian Ombudsman, a position with wide investigative powers, including those of a Royal Commission.
Western Australia was the first state to establish an ombudsman's office in 1972, and Ms O'Donnell was the first woman to be appointed to the position.
Ms O’Donnell was also a State Records Commissioner, a member of the Western Australian Integrity Coordinating Group, and the Energy Ombudsman in Western Australia. In recognition of her work in Western Australia, she received a public service medal in the Australia Day Honours for 2008.
Ms O'Donnell has qualifications in Arts, Education and French, as well as an MBA and a Masters in Commercial Law from Melbourne University.
The NSW Information Commissioner's salary is set down in the Public Office Holders Group report and determination under section 13 of the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act 1975.