Business Insight

Australian Privacy Reforms: A generational change inches closer

By Geoff McGrath, Leon Franklin and Andrew Hilton

12 September 2024

The first tranche of an overhaul of Australian privacy laws was introduced into the Australian Parliament on 12 September 2024.

The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 lays the groundwork for a generational change in Australian privacy laws, bringing flexible and agile oversight to the fast-moving technology and data landscape.

As part of tranche 1, 23 proposals have been adopted (out of an original 116 proposals from 2022's Privacy Act Review Report). The most significant reforms are expected in tranche 2, with consultations likely to take place over the coming months.

Outpacing change means having reliable and provable practices, procedures and systems – the foundational tools to confidently address increased scrutiny, adapt to coming reforms, and get in front of emerging regulatory, social and organisational risks.

Download the PDF below to read our helicopter view of tranche 1 of the reforms, initial take-away points, and more.

Stay tuned for more analysis, insight and practical advice to help you outpace change.

Australian Privacy Reforms - A generational change inches closer

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This publication is a joint publication from Ashurst Australia and Ashurst Risk Advisory Pty Ltd, which are part of the Ashurst Group.

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A generational change in privacy regulation in Australia

We draw on Ashurst's combined legal and risk advisory expertise to help organisations keep pace with the evolving Privacy Act reforms and the actions they can take to position themselves for success.

Learn more about privacy reform in Australia