Law reform and additional information
On 31 January 2006, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) received Terms of Reference from the Australian Attorney-General for an inquiry into the extent to which the the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and related laws continue to provide an effective framework for the protection of privacy in Australia.
On 11 August 2008, the Special Minister of State and the Attorney-General launched the report entitled For Your Information: Privacy Law and Practice.
The three volume report recommended 295 changes to improve Australia's privacy framework.
Three key proposals in the report have been highlighted as critical to privacy reform:
- a unified set of privacy principles for the public and private sectors
- national consistency in privacy law across all levels of government
- keeping the Privacy Act technologically neutral, to ensure its ongoing relevance
Further information about the review can be found on the ALRC’s website:
Given the large number of recommendations in the ALRC report, the Government is responding to the report in a two stage process. Further information about the Government response to the ALRC report can be found on the Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet's website:
Additional information
Additional information in relation to privacy can be found at:
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner's website: www.privacy.gov.au
- The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: www.dpmc.gov.au