Deputy Commissioner Appointments to Support Victoria’s New Information Laws

Victoria’s inaugural Information Commissioner today announced key appointments to the recently formed Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).

Ms Sally Winton has been appointed as the Public Access Deputy Commissioner and Ms Rachel Dixon as the Privacy and Data Protection Deputy Commissioner.  Both appointments are for a term of five years and commence today.

Ms Winton has been acting in the role of Public Access Deputy Commissioner since the establishment of OVIC in September this year and was previously acting in the role of Freedom of Information Commissioner and Assistant Freedom of Information Commissioner.  She has had a distinguished public sector career with more than 11 years’ experience working as a government lawyer and policy adviser.

Ms Winton has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Australian National University.

Ms Rachel Dixon will take up her five year appointment as Privacy and Data Protection Deputy Commissioner at OVIC after working most recently as Head of Identity at the Australian Government’s Digital Transformation Agency.

Ms Dixon has a diverse and impressive career holding senior positions in the private sector for Australian and International technology companies, where she led large teams and developed expertise in the areas of data, privacy, cybersecurity and information security.

OVIC was created as the primary regulator and source of independent advice to the community and the Victorian Government about how the public sector collects, uses and shares information.  As Deputy Commissioners Ms Winton and Ms Dixon will play key roles in achieving the objects of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy and Data Protection Act.

Quotes attributable to the Victorian Information Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel

 “I congratulate Rachel Dixon on her appointment as Privacy and Data Protection Deputy Commissioner. With her extensive knowledge of IT, big data, and privacy and information security issues, I am confident Rachel will make a lasting contribution to privacy and data protection in Victoria.”

 “Sally Winton’s deep understanding of public sector governance and her considerable experience as a government lawyer and policy adviser will support OVIC to improve transparency and accountability in government. I congratulate her on being appointed Victoria’s Public Access Deputy Commissioner.”