The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has announced the appointment of Alice Linacre as the new Australian freedom of information Commissioner, effective from 29 September 2025. This appointment follows the conclusion of Commissioner Toni Pirani‘s term, with Ms Linacre set to serve a five-year period in the role.
Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd expressed her enthusiasm for Ms Linacre’s appointment, stating: “Ms Linacre brings notable expertise to the role of FOI Commissioner in the law, administrative decision making, service delivery and a breadth of public sector leadership. The Australian Public Sector and the community will derive great benefit from this appointment and I am very much looking forward to working with Ms Linacre in this critical role.”
Tydd also commended the outgoing Commissioner Pirani for her dedication and contribution, saying: “I also thank Commissioner Pirani for her significant service to the OAIC and the Australian community throughout her time as FOI Commissioner. I have been very grateful for her leadership, productivity and abiding commitment to delivering this important human right.”
The Australian Information Commissioner highlighted that the continuation of the three-Commissioner model within the OAIC will enhance the protection and advancement of information governance rights for Australians. “Supported by my fellow Commissioners and dedicated staff within the OAIC we will continue to play a critical role in building public trust and confidence in both our democratic system of government and our economy,” Tydd noted.
Currently, Ms Linacre serves as the First Assistant Secretary in the Courts and Commercial Division at the Attorney-General’s Department. She has a distinguished background in senior legal roles within the Commonwealth public service. Notably, in 2022, she received the Public Service Medal for her exceptional contributions to the provision and management of legal services during pivotal events, including the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
