Who's covered?

Who has rights under the Privacy Act?

Individuals have rights under the Privacy Act, which give them greater control over the way their personal information is handled.

As an individual, the Act allows you to:

• know why your personal information is being collected and how it will be used
• ask for access to your records (including your health information)
• stop receiving unwanted direct marketing material
• correct inaccurate information about you
• ensure your information is only used for purposes you have been told about.

Who has responsibilities under the Privacy Act?

Australian and ACT government agencies and certain private sector organisations have responsibilities under the Privacy Act. For more information see our Complaints section.

The Act does not cover State or Northern Territory government agencies, including State or Territory government hospitals and health care facilities. Nor does it cover the handling by individuals of other people's personal information, except for the management of your tax file number.