Business Insight

Australian Privacy Reforms: A generational change inches closer

By Geoff McGrath, Leon Franklin and Andrew Hilton

17 December 2024

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    The first tranche of an overhaul of Australian privacy laws is now law – receiving assent 10 December 2024.

    The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 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 in 2025.

    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, 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.

    The Ashurst Group comprises Ashurst LLP, Ashurst Australia and their respective affiliates (including independent local partnerships, companies or other entities) which are authorised to use the name "Ashurst" or describe themselves as being affiliated with Ashurst. Some members of the Ashurst Group are limited liability entities.

    The services provided by Ashurst Risk Advisory Pty Ltd do not constitute legal services or legal advice, and are not provided by Australian legal practitioners in that capacity. The laws and regulations which govern the provision of legal services in the relevant jurisdiction do not apply to the provision of non-legal services.

    For more information about the Ashurst Group, which Ashurst Group entity operates in a particular country and the services offered, please visit www.ashurst.com

    This material is current as at 17 December 2024 but does not take into account any developments to the law after that date. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and in practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to, and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is general in nature, and does not take into account and is not intended to apply to any specific issues or circumstances. Readers should take independent legal advice. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Ashurst. While we use reasonable skill and care in the preparation of this material, we accept no liability for use of and reliance upon it by any person.

    The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to.
    Readers should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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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

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