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ARTICLE · 05 DECEMBER 2012

New Privacy Legislation set to take effect in 2014

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All businesses dealing with personal information in Australia or from Australians must review their privacy procedures.

AustraliaPrivacy
Mark Vincent
Mark Vincent
Katrina Crooks
Katrina Crooks
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The Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012 was passed on 29 November 2012 and is set to make significant changes to Australian privacy law. From March 2014, both public sector organisations and private businesses will face significantly more stringent privacy requirements and the prospect of stronger sanctions if they do not comply. All businesses collecting and/or dealing with personal information in Australia or from Australian residents will need to review their privacy procedures to ensure compliance.

Key changes under the new legislation are as follows:

  • A new unified set of Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) replacing the current dual system of Information Privacy Principles applicable to federal public sector organisations and National Privacy Principles applicable to private businesses.

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