Privacy Law Reform in Australia

Privacy expert Tim de Sousa discusses the expected privacy law reform in Australia.

Australia is at a point of change with how we regulate the handling of personal information. Now in the fourth year of review, the Attorney General's Department has promised new legislation to amend the Privacy Act in 2024. This follows extensive review into the Act and 116 proposals for change.

A Once in a Decade Evolution of the Privacy Act

Australian privacy law is moving towards global best practice. The proposed changes are expected to cover new uses of personal information like AI, machine learning and automated decision making. This deals with how businesses and governments use and create personal information through new technology.

Proactively Preparing for Privacy Law Reform

Taking steps now can help your organisation be more compliant as the Act evolves. This involves maturing your governance framework, refining how you communicate about handling personal information, and ensuring your policy intent aligns with how your business operates through standards, procedures, guidelines, and tooling.

It is critical to know what data you hold, where it is and whether you need it or not. Working on your information governance and conducting remediation activities to minimise the amount of data you hold is an important foundational step to ensuring future compliance.

To discuss how you can get ready for Australia’s changing privacy legislation, contact Tim de Sousa.