PHILLIP YOUNGMAN
Privacy and Information Access Specialist | GIPA & Freedom of Information Advisor

Phillip Youngman is a widely respected specialist in privacy legislation and the NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA), formerly known as Freedom of Information (FOI). With more than 30 years of experience advising government agencies, private sector organisations, individuals, and legal practitioners, Phillip is recognised for his expertise in privacy protection, information access, and legislative compliance.

Having worked extensively within privacy-sensitive government environments, Phillip has developed a deep understanding of the statutory obligations organisations face when managing personal information and responding to requests for access to government-held information. His work focuses on providing clear, practical advice that enables organisations to meet their legislative responsibilities while protecting personal privacy.

Phillip works with government agencies, legal professionals, private organisations and individuals seeking experienced, independent advice on privacy and information access matters.

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Key Experience

• Over 30 years’ experience advising on privacy and information access matters

• 43 years of service with the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)

• Former Freedom of Information Officer (1989–2008) – RTA

• Former Privacy Officer (2000–2008) – RTA

• Acting Branch General Manager, GIPA, Privacy and Contract Reporting Branch – RTA

• Chair, NSW FOI and Privacy Practitioners’ Network for approximately 20 years

• Recipient of the NSW Premier’s Medal for Meritorious Service

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Professional Credentials & Recognition

Professional Memberships and Appointments

• Deputy Chair, Biometrics Institute (2007–2008)

• Secretary, IAPP ANZ (2008–2009)

• Associate Fellow, Australian Institute of Management (1993–2012)

• Member, Australian Institute of Management (1983–1993)

• Member, Standards Australia Records Management Committee

• Member, Standards Australia Biometrics and Identification Committee (2008–2015)

• Justice of the Peace (NSW)

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Government Career

Phillip served for 43 years with the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), where he held key leadership roles in information access and privacy management.

During this time he served as the RTA’s Freedom of Information Officer from 1989 to 2008, followed by Privacy Officer from 2000 to 2008, overseeing the organisation’s responsibilities under privacy legislation and information access laws.

Following his retirement in January 2008, Phillip was awarded the NSW Premier’s Medal for Meritorious Service, recognising his significant contribution to public service and his leadership in the field of privacy and Freedom of Information.

In April 2009, Phillip returned to the RTA to work within the GIPA, Privacy and Contract Reporting Branch, where he remained until December 2010, including a period acting as Branch General Manager.

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Leadership in the Privacy and Information Access Community

Phillip has played an active role in the professional privacy and information access community.

He chaired the NSW FOI and Privacy Practitioners’ Network (now known as the NSW Right to Information and Privacy Practitioners Network) for approximately 20 years, providing leadership and guidance to professionals working in privacy and information access roles across government agencies.

Through this role, Phillip contributed to the development of best practice approaches to managing privacy and information access within government.

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Consulting and Advisory Services

Through Youngman Consultancy, Phillip provides specialist advisory services to government agencies, private sector organisations, individuals, and legal practitioners on matters relating to privacy protection and lawful access to information under privacy legislation.

His consultancy services include:

• Advice on GIPA and privacy legislation

• Training and professional development for government and organisational staff

• Development and review of privacy policies, procedures, and operational guidelines

• Preparation of Privacy Management Plans

• Privacy audits and compliance reviews

• Advice on information access requests and legislative obligations

• Assistance with information governance and records management

• Temporary support for State and Local Government agencies requiring experienced privacy or GIPA specialists

Phillip’s advice is grounded in practical experience and focuses on ensuring organisations can meet their legislative obligations while managing information responsibly and protecting personal privacy.

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Areas of Expertise

Phillip Youngman has extensive experience advising on matters relating to:

• NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA)

• Freedom of Information (FOI)

• Privacy legislation and regulatory compliance

• Information access requests and review processes

• Privacy Management Plans

• Privacy audits and risk assessments

• Information governance and records management

• Development of policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks

• Training for government agencies and organisational staff

His work is informed by decades of experience operating within privacy-sensitive government environments, providing practical insight into how legislative obligations are applied in real operational settings.

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Independent Expertise

Phillip Youngman is recognised for his independent expertise in privacy and information access matters.

His knowledge and experience have been acknowledged by organisations including the:

• NSW Premier’s Department

• NSW Ombudsman’s Office

• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)

• Privacy NSW

These organisations have recognised Phillip’s expertise in privacy and Freedom of Information matters.

Phillip is regularly engaged by organisations seeking experienced, independent advice on complex privacy and information access issues.

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Who Phillip Works With

Phillip provides advisory services to a wide range of clients, including:

• NSW Government agencies

• Local Government councils

• Legal professionals and law firms

• Private sector organisations managing privacy obligations

• Individuals seeking assistance with privacy and information access matters