Freedom of Information Commissioner Appointed

The Albanese Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Alice Linacre as the Freedom of Information Commissioner in the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Ms Linacre’s appointment underscores the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is appropriately empowered to do its important work.

Ms Linacre’s 5-year appointment will commence on 29 September 2025, following a merit-based selection process. 

Ms Linacre is currently serving as First Assistant Secretary, Courts and Commercial Division, at the
Attorney-General’s Department and has extensive experience in senior legal practitioner roles within the Commonwealth public service.

For more information about the Freedom of Information Commissioner and the work of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, visit the OAIC website.

Biography

Alice Linacre holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the Australian National University. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2004 and entered on the Register of Practitioners of the Federal Court and High Court of Australia in 2007.

Since 2022, Ms Linacre has held the position of First Assistant Secretary of the Courts and Commercial Division at the Attorney General’s Department. Prior to that, Ms Linacre was the Chief Counsel of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

In 2022, Ms Linacre was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the provision and management of legal services and resources to support the government’s response to critical events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland MP: 

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is appropriately resourced to continue its important work.”

“I congratulate Ms Linacre on her appointment and thank her for her willingness to serve in the role.”

“I also thank Ms Toni Pirani for her time serving in the role. Ms Pirani’s contribution has been invaluable.”