The founding CEO of Federal government agency the National Office for the Information Economy has resigned, effective July 24.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Federal IT Minister Richard Alston, Dr Paul Twomey will step down amicably from his position to "return to the private sector".
A government spokesperson said Twomey's initial appointment in the role was for three years; Twomey's resignation fell just short of three years.
NOIE was formed by Prime Minister John Howard in 1997 with the purpose of scrutinising Federal IT issues concerning the internet and e-commerce, such as the Privacy Bill.
Twomey also resigned from his positions as the government's special adviser for information economy and technology and as IT investment coordinator, the statement read.
He was also instrumental in the formation of administrative agency ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
Twomey will continue his involvement with ICANN in a part-time capacity; he will act as Australia's special representative within ICANN's Domain Names System, and as chair of ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee.
NOIE has already begun the search for Twomey's successor.