People stuff

Dr James Popple has been appointed  Australia's first Freedom of Information Commissioner. He is, well until Monday, 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,” Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information said. Dr Popple's CV, posted on the ANU website provides more details of an impressive list of appointments including a stint working on privacy in the late 1990s, an earlier period as an associate to High Court Justice Gaudron, publications including one on vexatious litigants that may come in handy, and expertise in a legal expert system with the name of "Shyster." Hope he keeps that sort of sense of humour! 

Professor John McMillan, Information Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, Privacy Commissioner and Dr Popple are the top level team as the new regime kicks off on 1 November.

Earlier in the month Jenny Mead and Clare Smith (sorry about an earlier mix up with the names) were both appointed Queensland Right to Information Commissioner each on a part time basis.

In NSW applications were invited in last Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald (p28) for NSW Privacy Commissioner- a part time position. I haven't seen it online but if you are interested Laurie Glanfield Director General Department of Justice and Attorney General was listed as the contact 02 (612 if overseas) 8688 7313. Detailed CV and names of at least two referees to appointments@agd.nsw.gov.au by 8 November.