Significant appointment
Dr James Popple, who completed his PhD in the School of Computer Science, and who has subsequently retained links as an Adjunct in the School, today achieved a significant role with his appointment as Australia's first Freedom of Information Commissioner.
Congratulations from everyone in the College, James.
The Minister's press release is reproduced below.
THE HON BRENDAN O'CONNOR MP
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND JUSTICE
MINISTER FOR PRIVACY AND F.O.I.
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 29 October 2010
Inaugural FOI Commissioner appointed
Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information Brendan O'Connor today announced Australia's first Freedom of Information Commissioner will be Dr James Popple.
"Dr Popple's appointment signals a new era of transparency and accountability in Australian government when it comes to freedom of information.
"The newly created role of FOI Commissioner underscores Labor's commitment to improve public access to information across the federal government," Mr O'Connor said.
Dr Popple is currently First Assistant Secretary of the Civil Law Division of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department and an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the Australian National University.
"Dr Popple has a strong administrative law background and extensive experience providing legal and policy advice to government," Mr O'Connor said.
"Added to this, his experience in academia and the public service stands him in good stead for this important and challenging new role.
"Dr Popple will also bring a commitment to these important reforms and an understanding that information held by government is a national resource to be managed for public purposes."
The Australian Information Commissioner, supported by the Privacy Commissioner and FOI Commissioner, will be a specialist independent monitor with the power to review FOI decisions and investigate complaints.
Dr Popple will start work as FOI Commissioner on 1 November, along with Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim and the Australian Information Commissioner Professor John McMillan AO.
Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512
jayne.stinson@ag.gov.au
