Leading privacy expert and experienced cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) risk management professional, Annelies Moens, has been appointed as the new Western Australian Information Commissioner.
Currently managing director of Privcore, Ms Moens (pictured) has been providing strategic advice to government and the private sector on complex privacy, cyber and AI matters in Australia and overseas.
She has 24 years’ experience in regulatory, not-for-profit and consulting practices and a track record of leading new organisations to establish strong governance.
“Annelies Moens is an outstanding appointment as the State’s new WA Information Commissioner and will bring a wealth of experience in the government and private sectors to this role,” said Attorney General, Tony Buti.
“Ms Moens a leading practitioner concerning the interface between technology and privacy and she has been recognised for her leadership and mentoring of other professionals both in Australia and overseas.”
Her appointment follows the passing of the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act) and the Information Commissioner Act 2024 (IC Act).
The PRIS and IC Acts establish new State privacy laws and the new positions of Information Commissioner, Information Access Deputy Commissioner and Privacy Deputy Commissioner to oversee privacy and Freedom of Information (FOI) matters in WA.
The new Office of the Information Commissioner commences on 1 July to support the three new statutory offices which will administer the PRIS Act (commencing in 2026) as well as existing functions under the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
“I would like to acknowledge Ms Catherine Fletcher for her work as the State’s Information Commissioner since 2018 and recognise her distinguished public service and legal career spanning 35 years,” said the Attorney General.
“I also thank Ms Fletcher for her work as a Chair and Commissioner of the State Records Commission.
“Ms Fletcher delivered the functions of the former Information Commissioner role and provided expertise reviewing FOI decisions and essential FOI advice to the public and government. I wish Ms Fletcher well for the future.”
Ms Moens will commence in the role on 28 July.
