Privacy Laws
The following laws can help Victorians protect their privacy. Privacy Victoria administers only the first of them.
The Information Privacy Act 2000 covers state government agencies and local councils, and includes ten Information Privacy Principles. The Explanatory Memorandum (PDF, 64Kb), provides an explanation of the Government's intention in relation to each section in the Act. The Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Public Records Act 1973 are also relevant legislation.
Privacy Act (Commonwealth) covers federal government agencies and parts of the private sector. For more information about this Act, contact the Federal Privacy Commissioner.
Health Records Act (Victoria) covers health information in Victorian public and private sectors from 1 July 2002. For more information about this Act, contact the Health Services Commissioner.
Surveillance Devices Act (Victoria) regulates the installation, use and maintenance of surveillance devices throughout Victoria and the communication and publication of surveillance records. It took effect on 1 January 2000.
Telecommunications (Interception) Act (Commonwealth) prohibits unauthorised listening to or recording of communications passing over telephone lines. It took effect on 1 June 1980.
Australia-wide Privacy Developments
The fully interactive map of Australia-wide privacy developments can be accessed by clicking on the image. A print version of the map is also available (PDF, 34Kb).
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Last reviewed on 6 November 2009. © 2009 Privacy Victoria - an independent statutory office