The Office of the Information Commissioner Queensland (OIC) announces Alexander White as Queensland Privacy Commissioner, starting 1 October 2025 for a five-year term. He served as Bermuda’s first Privacy Commissioner from January 2020 to September 2025 and was a member of the European Commission Working Group that drafted the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice under the EU AI Act.
Queensland Information Commissioner Joanne Kummrow stated, “Alex is an experienced Commissioner and has a deep understanding of privacy and data protection issues, including on a global level.” She added, “He will continue working with public sector agencies to embed good privacy practices and a ‘privacy aware’ culture while also protecting the privacy rights of Queenslanders.”
His appointment aligns with the implementation of the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (IPOLA), which became effective on 1 July 2025. The Act establishes a scheme for Mandatory Notification of Data Breach (MNDB), introduces new Queensland Privacy Principles (QPPs), and enhances the powers of the OIC to ensure compliance and enforcement. Public sector agencies must inform impacted individuals and the OIC about specific data breaches and keep a record of incidents in a centralised data breach register.
White will lead the next phase of Queensland’s reforms in privacy and data protection. He focuses on implementing MNDB procedures across various agencies, enhancing data governance, improving cybersecurity frameworks, and reducing data silos through more coordinated data infrastructure and cloud storage strategies. He will promote direction for data collection, lawful sharing, and responsible collaboration within the framework of digital government initiatives.
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Under his guidance, OIC will effectively implement IPOLA responsibilities and ensure adherence to privacy design principles when deploying artificial intelligence systems across the government. He has a solid foundation in AI governance and data protection policy, preparing him to assist agencies in navigating intricate data landscapes and achieving adherence to emerging legislative requirements.
During his time in Bermuda, White created regulatory frameworks that aligned privacy rights with advancements in open data innovation. He collaborates with global privacy organisations, such as the Global Privacy Assembly and the European Commission, to provide Queensland with insights into leading practices in data protection, cross-border data sharing, and cybersecurity preparedness.
The Queensland Government commits $11.465 million over four years and allocates $2.563 million ongoing to support the OIC’s execution of IPOLA. This financial support includes technology systems, staffing resources, and training initiatives that enhance capabilities across the public sector.
White’s appointment signals a shift in Queensland’s public sector from compliance to proactive data governance. Agencies must implement privacy impact assessments, build strong cloud-based infrastructure, eliminate data silos, and improve cybersecurity measures. Executives must integrate privacy into digital government frameworks with $11.465 million allocated over four years and $2.563 million in ongoing funding from the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment (IPOLA) Act.
White leads the Office of the Information Commissioner to enhance mandatory breach reporting, oversee data sharing, and govern AI across agencies. CEOs, CIOs, and COOs must see privacy and data protection as key elements that build trust, drive innovation, and improve public service delivery, not just a regulatory obligation.
Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.
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