The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (Commissioner) is in the process of developing Australian Privacy Principle Guidelines (Guidelines) to accompany the new Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) due to commence on 12 March 2014.
As highlighted in our previous article ‘Changes to the Privacy Act: Ensuring the Fine Print is Not Forgotten’, the APPs are being introduced by way of the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 which amends the Privacy Act 1988 (Act).
The Guidelines are being developed by the Commissioner to outline how the Commissioner will interpret and apply the APPs when exercising its functions and powers under the Act. The Guidelines are also being developed prior to the commencement date of 12 March 2014 to give organisations time to consider the APPs and adequately prepare for the changes.
The Commissioner has been releasing consultation papers in relation to the Guidelines and has now released the third and final tranche. The third tranche covers APPs 12 and 13 (chapters 12 and 13) which deal with access to, and correction of personal information.
If organisations wish to provide feedback on the third tranche of the Guidelines, the Commissioner is encouraging organisations to channel their feedback through industry associations and peak bodies. Alternatively, submissions can be made by email at consultation@oaic.gov.au or by post to GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001. The closing date for comments is Monday, 16 December 2013.
We will provide a further update once the Guidelines have been finalised and are released in their final form.
Download a PDF version of this article: Update on the Australian Privacy Principle Guidelines
For more information, please contact:
Meagan O’Connor
Principal
03 9611 0106
moconnor@sladen.com.au
