US advisor named Privacy Commissioner

Alexander White, a former privacy advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security, has been appointed as Queensland’s new Privacy Commissioner.  

Mr White has been appointed for a five-year term, and he will start in October.  

Bermuda’s Privacy Commissioner since 2020, Mr White will perform a similar role in Queensland – including overseeing how agencies collect, store, use and disclose personal information, the transfer of information outside Australia, and how government contractors handle personal information. 

Mr White was State Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for South Carolina, where he developed a privacy program for more than 70 agencies and entities operating in finance, healthcare, education and law enforcement. 

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said: “All Queenslanders have an expectation and a right that their private information is collected and protected securely.

“His background makes him aptly suited to the appointment and he will provide crucial advice to government departments and agencies on privacy matters.”  

Queensland Information Commissioner Joanne Kumrow said Mr White’s appointment would lift the public sector’s capability in protecting Queenslanders’ personal information.  

“Bringing with him significant experience, at a time of change for Queensland’s privacy laws, is timely and welcome,” Ms Kumrow said. 

“I look forward to welcoming Mr White to Queensland and thank James Forbes and Susan Shanley for acting as the Privacy Commissioner for periods over the past year.” 

His appointment comes as Queensland prepares to mark Privacy Awareness Week from 16-22 June 2025.