NSW Privacy Commissioner

Attorney General Greg Smith last week announced the appointment of former long time state public servant Dr Elizabeth Coombs as (part time) NSW Privacy Commissioner for a period of five years from November. Acting Commissioner John McAteer will stay on as full-time Deputy Privacy Commissioner. Dr Coombs will be the eighth appointment as head or acting head of the commission since 1999. Despite the efforts of McAteer and some of his predecessors privacy in NSW badly needs increased policy heft, stronger leadership and closer attention to government agency privacy practices. Best wishes and good luck.