Privacy & Data Protection

Risks:

Australia’s Privacy Laws are set for reform.  The current Government has responded to the largest ever Australian Law Reform Commission Report by agreeing to implement the majority of the 275 recommendations, as well as agreeing to a timetable for implementation.  Draft new Privacy Principles have already been released for comment.  Yet to come are details of the new powers of the Privacy Commissioner to impose fines and sanctions and the statutory right to damages for breach of Privacy.

Even before new laws are in place the regulatory environment is shifting with the Privacy Commissioner obtaining an ongoing undertaking from Google in relation to its collection of personal information as part of its street view project.

How we can help:

• Review current policies and underlying practices
• Training for management and frontline staff
• Preparation and implementation of policies, codes of conduct, internal procedures
• Advice in crisis situations – such as breaches
• Compliance plans and privacy impact assessment

Our experience:

• Drafting privacy policies and internal procedures and guidelines
• Advising on responses to Office of the Privacy Commission investigations, and modifying policies and procedures
• Drafting contracts to enhance privacy protection and reduce risk