Australian and ACT Government FAQs

This part of the Privacy Commissioner's website provides answers to questions frequently asked of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. If you have a question you would like us to answer please send it to privacy@privacy.gov.au.

For 10 simple things that your agency or organisation can do to protect the personal information of others, see our handy Guide: 10 Steps to Protecting Other People’s Personal Information - HTML, PDF, Word

  1. As an Australian or ACT government employee, where can I get more information about my agency's privacy obligations? Answer
  2. I am concerned that an Australian or ACT government agency is using my personal information incorrectly. What can I do? Answer
  3. Can an Australian or ACT government agency disclose my personal information to my partner or another family member? Answer
  4. When should a Privacy Contact Officer approach the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for advice? Answer
  5. What does my agency have to make an individual aware of when collecting personal information? ('IPP 2 Notice') Answer
  6. Now that we've issued our IPP 2 Notice, how does this affect the way we use and disclose personal information? Answer
  7. Do the new private sector provisions (National Privacy Principles) apply to local councils or State or Territory governments? Answer
  8. Is it possible under the IPPs for my agency to contact clients to conduct market research? Answer
  9. What privacy issues should supervisors in Australian and ACT government agencies take into account when providing referee reports? Answer

Why not take the Privacy Quiz for agencies - PDF, Word

About the FAQs

Responses to FAQs are based on the Office's understanding of how the Privacy Act works. The responses apply to the various privacy provisions and principles in a given situation and may help individuals, agencies, organisations and community groups in similar circumstances to reach a privacy solution.

Our responses to these questions are advisory only and not legally binding. You may need to seek separate legal advice on the application of the Privacy Act to your particular situation.

Nothing in an FAQ response limits the Privacy Commissioner's ability to investigate complaints under the Privacy Act or to apply the Information Privacy Principles or the National Privacy Principles in the way that seems most appropriate to the facts of the case being dealt with.

You may also wish to consult the Privacy Commissioner's guidelines and information sheets.

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