The Queensland Government has appointed Alexander White the state’s new Privacy Commissioner.
A former privacy advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security, White will oversee how government agencies collect, store, use and disclose personal information.
The role will also see White oversee the transfer of information outside Australia and supervise government contractors to ensure they handle personal information sensitively.
White – recommended for the appointment of Queensland Privacy Commissioner following a merit-based recruitment and selection process – has previous experience in a similar role. While serving as State Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for the US state of South Carolina 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.
Most recently, White has been Bermuda’s Privacy Commissioner since 2020.
“Alexander White brings highly valued experience and credentials, and we look forward to him taking on this role,” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said. “His background makes him aptly suited to the appointment and he will provide crucial advice to government departments and agencies on privacy matters.”
White’s experience, at a time of change for Queensland’s privacy laws, is “timely and welcome”, Queensland Information Commissioner Joanne Kummrow said.
Reforms to the state’s privacy laws take effect from 1 July 2025. They include changes to right to information requests for government agencies.
“I look forward to welcoming Mr White to Queensland and thank James Forbes and Susan Shanley for acting as the Privacy Commissioner for periods over the past year,” Kummrow said.
White – who has been appointed for a five-year term – will commence the role in October.
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