Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Fletcher to the position of Information Commissioner.
The Information Commissioner is an independent officer reporting directly to the State Parliament.
The main function of the Information Commissioner is to review decisions made by government agencies under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the Act).
Other important functions of the Information Commissioner include providing assistance to the public and government agencies on matters relevant to the Act, and also raising public awareness about the Act and the public's rights and agency responsibilities under the Act.
Ms Fletcher holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence, a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Management all from The University of Western Australia.
Ms Fletcher has been the Acting Information Commissioner since July 2018.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"Ms Fletcher brings to the role more than 25 years of legal experience.
"In 1990, she joined the Crown Solicitor's Office as an articled clerk and was admitted to practice in Western Australia in 1991.
"Between 1994 and 1995, Ms Fletcher worked at the Youth Legal Service of WA in the position of Duty Lawyer at the Children's Court of WA.
"Ms Fletcher went on to undertake senior positions with Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in various capacities, including Principal Legal Officer and Senior Legal Officer.
"She has also worked at Legal Aid Western Australia as a Criminal Duty Lawyer. Over a number of years Ms Fletcher also taught and tutored law at both The University of Western Australia and Notre Dame University in Fremantle.
"Since 2008, Ms Fletcher was employed in various capacities at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, including as a State Prosecutor.
"Ms Fletcher has also been an active committee or board member over many years on a number of organisations associated with the law or legal education including the Women Lawyers of WA, the Law Society of WA and the Notre Dame University Law School Advisory Board.
"She first commenced acting in the role of Information Commissioner in July 2018.
"Her experience combined has provided Ms Fletcher with relevant high level legal experience and skills making her eminently suitable to be appointed to the role of Information Commissioner."
