Review of Australian Privacy Law

The Australian Law Reform Commission has released a list of more than 300 proposals to amend Australia's privacy laws.

In a press release accompanying the document, Commission President Prof. David Weisbrot is quoted as saying:

"The federal Privacy Act sets out different principles for private organisations and for government agencies. On top of that, each state and territory has its own privacy laws or guidelines and some also have separate laws on health privacy".

"The ALRC is proposing there be a single set of privacy principles for information-handling across all sectors, and all levels of government. This will make it easier and less expensive for organisations to comply, and much more simple for people to understand their rights".

"The protection of personal information stored or processed overseas, as is now routine, is another serious concern. The ALRC wants to ensure that such information has at least the same level of protection as is provided domestically. We propose that a government agency or company that transfers personal information overseas without consent should remain accountable for any breach of privacy that occurs as a result of the transfer..."

A final report and recommendations are expected to be completed by March 2008.