This is the Business Council’s submission on the Discussion Paper for the Review of the Privacy Act 1988. The review was a commitment in the government’s response to the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry. The review is being undertaken at the same time as consultation on an exposure draft of the Online Privacy Bill (our submission on the Code can be found here [https://www.bca.com.au/submission_on_the_online_privacy_bill])

The Act remains one of the fundamental pieces of legislation underpinning Australia’s economy and central to its success, both digital and otherwise. This review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform Australia’s privacy regimes.

Businesses remain supportive of reform of the Act, and we agree with and support the government’s intention to set up a regulatory framework that is in the best interests of Australians and the Australian economy both now, and into the future. Reform will allow Australians to continue to have their privacy protected, even as business models and technology evolve, while also supporting businesses to grow and remain internationally competitive.

You can read the submission here.