Site Changes

On 1 November 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and a new website established at www.oaic.gov.au.

Note 1: Major changes to the Privacy Act 1988 will come into effect in March 2014. Agencies, businesses and not for profits need to start preparing for these changes. For more information go to our privacy law reform page at www.oaic.gov.au
Note 2: From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date. For new privacy content visit the www.oaic.gov.au website.

Government FAQs

This part of the Privacy Commissioner's website provides answers to questions frequently asked of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. If you have a question you would like us to answer please send it to privacy@privacy.gov.au.

For 10 simple things that your agency or organisation can do to protect the personal information of others, see our handy Guide: 10 Steps to Protecting Other People’s Personal Information - HTML, PDF

As an Australian or ACT government employee, where can I get more information about my agency's privacy obligations? Answer
I am concerned that an Australian or ACT government agency is using my personal information incorrectly. What can I do? Answer
Can an Australian or ACT government agency disclose my personal information to my partner or another family member? Answer
When should a Privacy Contact Officer approach the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for advice? Answer
What does my agency have to make an individual aware of when collecting personal information? ('IPP 2 Notice') Answer
Now that we've issued our IPP 2 Notice, how does this affect the way we use and disclose personal information? Answer
Do the new private sector provisions (National Privacy Principles) apply to local councils or State or Territory governments? Answer
Is it possible under the IPPs for my agency to contact clients to conduct market research? Answer
What privacy issues should supervisors in Australian and ACT government agencies take into account when providing referee reports? Answer

Why not take the Privacy Quiz for agencies - PDF

About the FAQs

Responses to FAQs are based on the Office's understanding of how the Privacy Act works. The responses apply to the various privacy provisions and principles in a given situation and may help individuals, agencies, organisations and community groups in similar circumstances to reach a privacy solution.

Our responses to these questions are advisory only and not legally binding. You may need to seek separate legal advice on the application of the Privacy Act to your particular situation.

Nothing in an FAQ response limits the Privacy Commissioner's ability to investigate complaints under the Privacy Act or to apply the Information Privacy Principles or the National Privacy Principles in the way that seems most appropriate to the facts of the case being dealt with.

You may also wish to consult the Privacy Commissioner's guidelines and information sheets.