Summary
In response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s report in relation to Australian privacy law and practice, the bill amends the Privacy Act 1988 to: replace the current privacy principles for the public and private sectors with a single set of privacy principles (the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)); implement a comprehensive credit reporting system which includes five kinds of personal information; provide for codes of practice under the APPs and a credit reporting code, including powers for the Privacy Commissioner to develop and register codes that are binding on specified agencies and organisations; and clarify the functions and powers of the Information Commissioner and increase the commissioner’s ability to resolve complaints, recognise and encourage the use of external dispute resolutions services, conduct investigations and promote compliance with privacy obligations. Also makes consequential amendments to 55 Acts.