Queensland’s new Privacy Commissioner will bring an international perspective to the role.
State Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the current Privacy Commissioner of Bermuda, Alexander White, would be take up the Queensland role from October, with a five-year term.
Minister Frecklington said Mr White was also a former privacy advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security.
“Mr White has been Bermuda’s Privacy Commissioner since 2020 and will perform a similar role in Queensland – including overseeing how agencies collect, store, use and disclose personal information, the transfer of information outside Australia, and how Government contractors handle personal information,” she said.
Minister Frecklington said earlier in his career, Mr White was State Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for the US state of South Carolina, where he developed a privacy program for more than 70 agencies and entities operating in finance, healthcare, education and higher education, law enforcement, and other sectors.
She said Mr White also had a long association with the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
“Alexander White brings highly valued experience and credentials, and we look forward to him taking on this role.
“His background makes him aptly suited to the appointment and he will provide crucial advice to government departments and agencies on privacy matters.”
Queensland Information Commissioner Joanne Kumrow said Mr White’s appointment reflected a commitment to lift the public sector’s capability in protecting the personal information of Queenslanders.
“Bringing with him significant experience, at a time of change for Queensland’s privacy laws, is timely and welcome,” Ms Kumrow said.
