The main changes to the Privacy Act are contained in the APPs;
however, there are other changes that agencies need to understand.
This summary sets out some of the key provisions that are not
contained in the APPs.
Exceptions to the APPs
The general rule is that an agency covered by the APPs must not
act in a way that breaches them; however, there are exceptions. The
main exceptions are in "permitted general situations" and
"permitted health situations".
Exception 1—permitted general
situations
Personal information may be collected, used or disclosed without
breaching the APPs where:
- it is unreasonable or impracticable to obtain the
individual's consent and the agency reasonably believes that
the collection, use or disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent
a serious threat to life, health or safety of an individual or is
necessary for public health and safety, or
