Appointment of the Freedom of Information Commissioner

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Toni Pirani as the Freedom of Information Commissioner at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Ms Pirani’s 12-month appointment through a merit-based selection process will commence on 16 August 2024 when the current FOI Commissioner, Elizabeth Tydd, moves into her new role as Australian Information Commissioner.

Ms Pirani’s appointment delivers on the Albanese Government’s election commitment to fully restore the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) with the appointment of standalone Privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI) Commissioners.

Ms Pirani is currently serving as Special Adviser, Freedom of Information Decisions with the OAIC and has previously served as acting FOI Commissioner. Ms Pirani has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the agency in these roles and brings considerable Commonwealth sector experience.

I congratulate Ms Pirani on her appointment and thank her for her willingness to serve.

For information about the FOI Commissioner and the work of the Office of the Information Commissioner, visit the OAIC website.

Biography

Toni Pirani holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the High Court of Australia, Supreme Court of NSW and Supreme Court of the ACT in 1992.

Ms Pirani has 35 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service and has been responsible for establishing, leading and managing complex operations including two Royal Commissions and the office of the Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

Ms Pirani previously acted as the Freedom of Information Commissioner in 2013 and in 2023-24.