Victorian Public Access Deputy Commissioner Joanne Kummrow has been appointed to lead the body responsible for promoting access to government information in Queensland.

Ms Kummrow begins her three year terms as Queensland Information Commissioner on April 3.

An independent statutory body, the Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) is also responsible for protecting personal information held by the public sector, dealing with privacy complaints, and deciding  on whether an agency’s privacy obligations can be waived in the public interest.

Ms Kummrow has wide expertise in administrative law, decision making, civil investigations and inquiries.

She was previously Special Counsel, Government and Public Law in the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office where she advised government agencies and ministers on freedom of information, and led the government’s legal team that responded to the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Queensland Justice minister Yvette D’Ath said Ms Kummrow was ideally suited to the position given her past experience in Victoria.

Access to government-held information and protection of personal information was essential to transparent and accountable government, Ms D’Ath said.

“As an independent office, Queensland’s Information Commissioner plays a key role in ensuring that government information is made publicly available in line with legislative requirements,” the minister said.

“(Ms Kummrow has extensive experience in government regulation and investigations, public sector integrity, freedom of information, privacy and data security and has demonstrated a strong commitment to working in the public interest throughout her career.”

Ms Kummrow takes over from Stephanie Wilson who has been acting in the role since September 2023.