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The Australian Government has released the Exposure Draft Privacy Amendment (Personal Data Protection) Bill 2026, proposing the most significant overhaul of privacy law in years. These reforms would fundamentally change how Australian businesses handle personal information, introducing a new "fair and reasonable" test, stronger consent requirements, expanded definitions of personal information, and new rules for AI and emerging technologies.

Australia's Privacy Act reform has reached a critical milestone with the release of exposure draft legislation proposing fundamental changes to how organisations handle personal information. The reforms introduce a new 'fair and reasonable' test for data collection and use, a right of erasure for large digital platforms, strengthened consent standards, a statutory controller/processor framework, restrictions on trading personal data, and enhanced data breach obligations. These changes come at a time when em

The Australian Government's proposed digital duty of care reforms would extend online safety obligations far beyond social media platforms to encompass any business operating websites, digital platforms, or AI-enabled tools. Rather than simply responding to complaints, businesses would need to proactively identify foreseeable risks and implement safeguards, with substantial penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $109.2 million for companies. The exposure draft introduces a fundamental shift from reacti

The Australian Government's exposure draft proposes a proactive, systems-based digital duty of care for online service providers, requiring them to ensure a 'safe online environment' so far as reasonably practicable.

The new data breach scheme creates an obligation to report eligible data breaches relating to personal information.

Australia's privacy laws are undergoing significant reform, with new automated decision-making transparency requirements commencing in December 2026 and further substantial changes under consideration. Businesses must prepare for enhanced regulatory scrutiny, increased litigation risk through the new statutory tort for serious privacy invasions, and potential expansion of obligations to small businesses and employee records.

Australia's digital regulatory landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with the proposed digital duty of care joining a complex web of reforms including Privacy Act amendments...

Almost two years after a relatively modest set of Privacy Act reforms were passed in late 2024 (Tranche 1 Reforms) (more on these here), the Australian Government has released an exposure draft...

Australia's new statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, which commenced in June 2025, is being tested against emerging AI-powered smart glasses technology that can record audio and video discreetly. As these devices become more sophisticated and less detectable, questions arise about whether current privacy laws adequately protect individuals from covert surveillance and data collection in both public and private settings.

Western Australian local governments face new obligations under the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024, which introduces Information Privacy Principles and mandatory serious data-breach reporting. How should councils prepare their governance frameworks, policies, and incident-response capabilities to meet these requirements by the July 2026 and January 2027 deadlines?

The Australian Government has released draft legislation proposing to ban non-compete clauses for workers earning below the Fair Work Act high-income threshold, currently $190,100 per year. The reforms are not yet law and are intended to commence in 2027, subject to legislation passing Parliament.

A Spent Conviction Order can limit when a criminal conviction must be disclosed, but it does not erase the conviction. Understanding when disclosure is still required for employment, overseas travel, Working with Children Checks, and professional licensing is crucial for anyone with a spent conviction navigating these complex obligations.

A NSW Supreme Court decision reveals that even a properly signed and professionally drafted Will can fail if the process doesn't adequately establish that the document reflects the testator's true intentions. The case examines the critical distinction between document preparation and comprehensive estate planning, particularly relevant as online Will services become increasingly common.

Western Australian local governments face new obligations under the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024, which introduces Information Privacy Principles and mandatory serious data-breach reporting. How should councils prepare their governance frameworks, policies, and incident-response capabilities to meet these requirements by the July 2026 and January 2027 deadlines?

Australia’s privacy reforms increase the importance of privacy as a governance issue for independent schools. Boards and executive teams should understand what personal and sensitive information their school holds, how it is accessed and shared, and where monitoring technologies, third-party platforms and automated decision-making tools are used.

Before amending a trust deed, it is important to carefully review the deed to determine whether the proposed amendment is permitted and what requirements must be followed.

Discusses interest on late payments to the ATO & what your options are for reduction.

Buying property with friends or family can make home ownership more achievable, but it also creates important legal and financial obligations. Before buying, consider whether to own the property as joint tenants or tenants in common, how each person will contribute to costs, what happens if someone wants to sell or can no longer make payments, and how each owner’s interest will be dealt with if they die or want to sell. A co-ownership agreement can document each owner’s rights and responsibilities and establish a process for managing changes or disputes.

Pastoralists should identify the water and operational assets that matter to the station before activity begins, then ensure any access or commercial agreement clearly deals with monitoring, disruption, rehabilitation, liability and review. The legal position will depend on the mining or exploration licence (as the case may be), the pastoral lease, government policy, approvals and proposed activity, but early preparation gives a family stronger footing in discussions.

The Coalition has proposed an increase in penalties payable by directors commensurate with increases for union officials.