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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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

Advice for PCOs

Below are a number of specific documents that may be of use to you in your role as PCO.

Privacy suggestions for client contact projects: Does your agency want to survey its clients or make contact with individuals to get feedback on a particular service? Get some tips on how to comply with the Privacy Act when doing client contact projects.
Minding our own business: Privacy protocol for Commonwealth agencies in the Northern Territory handling personal information of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Different cultures can have different expectations when it comes to privacy. If your agency operates in the Northern Territory, find out what you can do to ensure you respect the privacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Consulting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on proposals with privacy implications: If you wish to consult our Office on a new project or initiative, there are a few things you need to do first. Check out Attachment A of this document to find out more.
Checklist for Australian Government agencies addressing privacy issues: If your agency is undertaking a new project, check out the short checklist in Attachment B of this document to ensure you address all the key privacy issues.

Other places to go...

Guidance material: For more general guidance publications for government.
Complaint case notes: Case notes show the Privacy Act in action and can usefully shed light on the application of the Act in a specific situation. Find out more...
Frequently asked questions: Still got questions? We've got answers! Read our frequently asked questions.