So how does our Office apply the Privacy Act in practice? Firstly, one of our key roles is to investigate complaints made by individuals to see whether an agency or organisation has breached the Privacy Act. Our case notes and determinations will give you an idea of the type of complaints we receive and how we investigate them.

The Privacy Commissioner also has the power to investigate an agency or organisation without someone making a complaint. For example, if the media reports a serious breach of privacy, we may take action and investigate before a complaint is made.

We also try to help prevent breaches of the Privacy Act by conducting audits, monitoring government data-matching and issuing guidance material to agencies and organisations to help them comply with the Privacy Act.