Your Rights

Privacy laws

Your personal information (including medical/health, financial and business) is protected by Privacy laws at both Commonwealth and state and territory levels. All aspects relating to the collection, use, disclosure, quality and security of personal information is covered by the laws.

The Commonwealth introduced the Privacy Act in 1988 and its Privacy Principles explain the responsibilities of all Commonwealth and other agencies and businesses when handling personal information. The Privacy Act also gives you the right to access and correct your personal information held by these agencies.

You also have the right to make to make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner if we think our personal information has been mishandled. The Privacy Commissioner has set up a hotline that you can call: 1300 363 992.

Most states and territories have also developed their own laws or arrangements since 1988 to safeguard our privacy when our personal information is handled by state and territory agencies .