Before you make a complaint

Use our ComplaintChecker to see if your privacy complaint is covered by the Act.

Generally, before you can make a complaint, you must first complain in writing to the agency or organisation you believe has interfered with your privacy. You must also give the agency or organisation a reasonable time (usually 30 days) to respond to your complaint.

The agency or organisation you are complaining about is called the respondent.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, or if you do not receive a response, you can lodge a complaint with our Office.

You should also check how long it has taken for you to complain to our Office. If you knew about the privacy issue for more than 12 months before coming to our Office, we may decide not to investigate.

For more information about this Office's complaints process, you can call our Privacy Enquiries Line on 1300 363 992.