Role of the Information Commissioner

The Information Commissioner is an independent officer who reports directly to Parliament.  The position is established by the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the FOI Act) and is supported by staff of the Office of the Information Commissioner (the OIC).

The main function of the Information Commissioner is to, in response to complaints by applicants, provide independent external review of decisions made by WA State and local agencies on access applications and requests to amend personal information under the FOI Act.  

The Information Commissioner’s other responsibilities include:

• ensuring that agencies are aware of their responsibilities under the FOI Act;

• ensuring that members of the public are aware of the FOI Act and their rights;

• providing assistance to members of the public and agencies on matters relevant to the FOI Act; and

• recommending to Parliament legislative or administrative changes that could be made to help the objects of the FOI Act to be achieved.

The Information Commissioner is also a member of the State Records Commission, which consists of four members and is supported by the State Records Office.  As of August 2023, the Information Commissioner is the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Information Commissioner is Catherine Fletcher.

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