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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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.

I am concerned that a Australian or ACT government agency is using my personal information incorrectly. What can I do?

If you believe an agency is mishandling your personal information, first of all contact the agency to express your concerns. The staff member you speak to at the agency should be able to tell you why your information was collected, how it is being used or disclosed and whether there are any relevant laws that allow the agency to use or disclose it in the manner it has.

If the staff member you speak to is unable to provide you with the advice you need, or you wish to make a complaint, you can ask to be referred to the appropriate privacy or complaints officer.

Most agencies have a procedure for dealing with privacy complaints. However, if you are not satisfied with the way the agency handles your complaint, you can bring your case to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

For further information on lodging a complaint with this Office, please see the How to make a complaint or Your Privacy Rights pages of our website. If you still have questions, or you would like to discuss the matter before you lodge a complaint, you can contact the Privacy Enquiries Line on 1300 363 992 or by sending an email to privacy@privacy.gov.au.