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About the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

What you'll do

You will be responsible for delivering the following key priorities:

Skills and capability we need:

What you'll gain from the experience:

About our team

Additional information

Contact Officer Published: 11 August 2026 6 min read About The Office Of The Australian Information Commissioner Working with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will put you at the forefront of data protection and access to information regulation. As an independent statutory agency, the OAIC’s work is of national significance and plays an important role in shaping Australia’s information handling landscape across the economy - from government, digital platforms and the online environment, to health, finance and telecommunications. Our mission is to uphold and promote Australia’s privacy and freedom of information laws.

We are an agency within the Attorney-General’s Department portfolio with responsibility for numerous statutory functions including: privacy functions under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Digital ID Act 2024, the My Health Records Act 2012 and in relation to the Consumer Data Right (CDR) under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, in particular, investigating breaches, handling complaints, conducting audits, developing codes, providing policy guidance and educating the public and industry on privacy;

freedom of information functions under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, in particular, review of decisions made by agencies and ministers, handling FOI complaints, monitoring and investigating agency compliance, providing policy guidance and educating government and the public on FOI rights; and information commissioner functions under the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 including reporting to the Minister regarding government policy and practice with respect to the collection, use, disclosure, management, administration or storage of, or access to, information held by government and the systems used. Type of arrangement Temporary Transfer under S26 of the Public Service Act 1999 Duration 24 months Closing Date 16/08/2026 APS Classification Senior Executive Service Band 1 Security Clearance Negative Vetting 1 What You'll Do Are you an experienced senior leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to government transparency and access to information? The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is seeking a General Manager, Freedom of Information Case Management Branch for a temporary transfer commencing in late August 2026 and available until 30 June 2028.

Applications are welcome from high-performing EL2's and SES Band 1 officers. In this key leadership role, you will lead a high-performing team and deliver merits review of freedom of information decisions and related matters. The OAIC is at the forefront of data protection and access to information regulation.





Our mission is to uphold and promote Australia’s privacy and freedom of information laws. As an independent statutory agency, the OAIC’s work is of national significance and plays an important role in shaping Australia’s information handling landscape.

As General

Manager you will also lead on organisational change that enables the OAIC to deliver on its purpose. You will be responsible for delivering the following key priorities: Leading, guiding and mentoring teams delivering high volume case work, and fostering professional development and effectiveness. You will lead a team of professionals responsible for a high volume of individual FOI complaints, Information Commissioner (IC) reviews and vexatious applicant declaration applications, which include high-risk and complex matters.

The team you will oversee is responsible for progressing matters through to resolution, including written decisions.

Exercising sound judgement and applying principles of good administrative decision making, and taking regulatory action strategically to improve compliance, including making decisions as a delegate of the Information Commissioner on IC review applications under s 55K of the FOI Act and on complaints under s 73 of the FOI Act.

Providing expert advice to the Executive General Manager and Commissioners on information access and regulatory responses

Ensuring the OAIC's delivery of services to the Australian community promotes and upholds information access rights. You will balance priorities and resources across your teams to ensure the best possible delivery of services and alignment with the OAIC’s regulatory priorities. This will include developing and implementing systems and processes to support effective and efficient case management and ensure the delivery of high quality and timely decisions.

Promoting awareness and understanding of the legislative requirements under the FOI Act by contributing to the development of guidance for the regulated sector and the community, and representing the OAIC in external forums

Contributing to OAIC strategic planning, people management and budgetary responsibilities.

Adhering to and promoting the APS Values and Code of Conduct and acts with utmost integrity and professionalism.

Skills And Capability We Need To be successful in this role you will have a strong understanding of government and exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams, and a demonstrated commitment to developing and empowering staff. Strong leadership and management skills, including change management, along with excellent communication and influencing skills, are also required.



A qualification in law and/or experience managing within a regulatory setting requiring an expert understanding of legislation will be highly regarded.

Prior administrative decision-making experience, a thorough understanding of administrative law and in-depth knowledge of the FOI Act, or the demonstrated ability to quickly acquire this knowledge, are essential. Previous experience responding to requests made under the Freedom of Information regime would also be highly regarded. SES Within The OAIC Work As a United Team, Collaborating And Supporting Each Other And Staff In Achieving Outcomes For The Australian Community.

You Will Demonstrate Leadership That Aligns

With The Values Of The OAIC, Which Include Modelling and championing the OAIC’s Guiding Principles (‘4 Pillars’): being proactive, proportionate, purpose-driven and people-focused

Possessing integrity and demonstrating alignment with the APS Values: Impartial, Committed to service, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical and Stewardship

Empowering staff to make decisions and supporting a shift to a more harm-focused regulatory approach for the OAIC that considers risk in a proportionate manner and is not risk averse

Supporting OAIC’s Commissioners to set the strategic direction of the OAIC, communicating that direction internally and externally, and leading your team to deliver on it. We value diverse experiences and backgrounds and welcome applications from everyone. What You'll Gain From The Experience As a key member of the OAIC’s leadership team you will have the opportunity to influence organisational culture, lead change, enhance operational practices and provide input into the strategic prioritisation of our regulatory activities.

About Our Team The OAIC’s Freedom of Information Case Management Branch is responsible for the case management of Information Commissioner (IC) reviews, complaints and investigations and vexatious applicant declarations. This is includes engaging with applicants, complainants and agencies and ministers to gather information and evidence, and drafting decisions on complaints, IC review applications and vexatious applicant declarations, including written decisions made under ss 55K, 86 and 89K of the FOI Act.

Additional Information

How to apply Please submit your application by 11.59pm (AEST) Sunday 16 August 2026 to [email protected] and include the following attachments:

a one-page pitch that tells us about you and why you believe you are suited to the role, with consideration to the skills and capabilities.

your résumé with your relevant recent work experience, qualifications and achievements.

- details of two referees (at least one current or previous supervisor) who can attest to your work experience. Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.

Contact Officer

If you have any queries please contact Ashleigh McDonald, Executive General Manager – Information Rights Division on (02) 9297 9355 or [email protected]. View the position at APSjobs - external site

📌 General Manager, Freedom of Information Case Management Branch (Quebec City)
🏢 Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
📍 Quebec City