I am pleased to announce that Mr Leo Hardiman PSM QC has been appointed as the Freedom of Information Commissioner, and will commence on 19 April 2022.
Mr Hardiman brings a wealth of experience to the role from his time advising Commonwealth government agencies and ministers of their responsibilities, powers and functions under law. For more than 30 years, Mr Hardiman has advised the Commonwealth in many areas. Mr Hardiman was previously Deputy Chief General Counsel and National Leader of the Office of General Counsel with the Australian Government Solicitor.
In 2020, Mr Hardiman’s work was recognised with a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service through the provision of legal services to the Commonwealth.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I congratulate Mr Hardiman on his appointment. I look forward to working with Mr Hardiman in a new capacity and wish him well as he undertakes this important role.
Mr Leo Hardiman
Mr Hardiman holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the ACT in 1991 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2020. Between 1993 and 2021, Mr Hardiman has held a variety of Counsel roles with the Australian Government Solicitor, the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Employment and Workplace.
