Australian Information Commissioner and Victorian Magistrates' Court Judges Appointed

The Commonwealth Attorney-General, George Brandis, has recommended to the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, the appointment of Timothy Pilgrim PSM as the Australian Information Commissioner as well as his reappointment as the Australian Privacy Commissioner. Meanwhile, in Victoria, Barristers Sarah Leighfield and Simon Zebrowski have each been appointed to the Magistrate’s Court of Victoria.

Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner

Mr Pilgrim has served as the Australian Privacy Commissioner since July 2010. Since July 2005, he has been serving as the acting Australian Information Commissioner. Mr Pilgrim has a strong understanding of business needs and is reputable in the business community for his considered approach to regulation. In the course of his career as both Commissioners, Mr Pilgrim has partaken in international work to help Australia deal with global privacy challenges. In particular, he has built closer relationships with other state privacy regulators to ensure Australia has a strong position in international business.

Since July 2015, in his role as acting Information Commissioner, Mr Pilgrim has ensured continuity to allow the Office of Australian Information Commission to build on its significant operational improvements.

Victorian Magistrates’ Court

Victorian Attorney General, Martin Pakula announced the appointment of Ms Leighfield and Mr Zebrowski in late September. He praised the two new judges as a great benefit to the state justice system. Both former barristers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal law to the bench. Mr Pakula said:

Sarah Leighfield has extensive experience in criminal law and in particular sexual offences cases. She was admitted to the Victorian bar in 2002 and has since appeared before the Magistrates’ Court in pleas, contested hearings and committal proceedings.

Simon Zebrowski was a former principal solicitor advocate of the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions. During this time, he advised Victoria Police and other OPP solicitors regarding the appropriateness of criminal charges as well as other criminal law related matters. 

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Commissioner appointments

Victorian bench welcomes two new magistrates