Privacy Profile

PHR2006 - Australia 18/12/2007

PHR2004 - Commonwealth of Australia 16/11/2004
While privacy issues are now featured prominently in the daily news in Australia, the legal safeguards for personal information remain limited. Neither the Australian Federal Constitution nor the Constitutions of the six States contain any express provisions relating to privacy. Will this remain the case or will changes be made?

Censorship Profile

Silenced - Australia 21/09/2003
Does the current 'War on Terror' stance of the Australian government conflict with her citizen's ability to utilise information technology and media?

News and Developments

Research on Interception of Communications released (external) 28/02/2005
A report released by the Hong Kond Legislative Council Secretariat reviews the differences in interception regimes in the UK, the U.S., and Australia.

Australia Adopts Police Wiretap and Spyware Laws 08/12/2004
The Australian Parliament approved the Surveillance Devices Bill (No. 2) 2004 and Telecommunications (Interception) Amendment (Stored Communications) Bill 2004 on 8 December 2004. The Interception law allows for easy access to email, SMSs and voicemail by police. The spyware law authorizes federal and state police to install spyware on user's computers for offenses that carry a penalty of three years prison time, less than what is required for a obtaining a wiretap.

Australian Big Brother Awards 2004 26/11/2004
The Australian Privacy Foundation announced the winners of the 2004 Australian Big Brother Awards on 25 November. The Winners were Lifetime Menace: Carl Scully, NSW Minister for Roads, People's choice: Queensland Smartcard Drivers Licence, Greatest corporate invader: Major political parties, Worst Public Agency or Official: Bob Debus, NSW Attorney-General and Most invasive technology: Biometric passports. The Best Privacy Guardian award was given to John Pane, Australia Post's Chief Privacy Officer.

Legal and Policy Developments

Australian Privacy Law Review Finds Serious Flaws (external) 19/05/2005
The Privacy Commissioner of Australia has released a new 283 page review of the effectiveness of the private sector privacy laws in Australia. The report found a lack of national consistancy in protections. It also questioned the privacy principles effectiveness for information collected in new technologies and problems with health data.

PI Global Studies

Freedom of Information Around the World 2006 Report 20/09/2006
Privacy International released the 2006 Freedom of Information and Access to Government Records Around the World report on 20 September 2006. The survey reviews FOI and other access laws and their implementation in 70 countries. The survey is now available in English and Russian. A global map of FOI laws, regulations, and pending bills is also available.