#117 A reform story in two tranches – our reaction to new privacy laws

After five years of consultation on privacy reforms, the Federal Government has finally introduced legislation into the parliament. Its been billed by the Attorney General as the “first tranche” and a “first step”, with promises of more reforms to come.
In this episode, we share our reaction to the bill and break down what’s in and what’s been left for a later day.
We also explore why comprehensive privacy reforms seem so hard to legislate, particularly as the Government seeks to introduce a suite of other tech reforms and obligations on topics such as social media, AI and digital identity.
**Correction** – at around 6 minutes in, Jordan says the OAIC’s new ‘speeding ticket’ infringement notices can be up to $62,000. Infringement notices can actually be up to $330,000 for companies.

Links:
Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 ⁠https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbills%2Fr7249_first-reps%2F0000%22;rec=0#4d76d5260955459fb4aa15467f77172e⁠
Attorney General’s media release ⁠https://www.markdreyfus.com/media/media-releases/better-protection-of-australians-privacy-mark-dreyfus-kc-mp/⁠
elevenM analysis of reforms ⁠https://elevenm.com.au/blog/its-time-to-uplift-privacy-why-organisations-need-to-act-now-following-new-law-reforms/⁠
Article about reforms and reaction (InnovationAus) ⁠https://www.innovationaus.com/timid-privacy-reforms-disappoint-industry-and-advocates/⁠
OAIC reaction ⁠https://www.oaic.gov.au/news/media-centre/oaic-welcomes-first-step-in-privacy-reforms⁠
Katharine Kemp reaction (The Conversation) ⁠https://theconversation.com/long-overdue-australian-privacy-law-reform-is-here-and-its-still-not-fit-for-the-digital-era-238214⁠
CHOICE on consumer demand for reform ⁠https://www.choice.com.au/privacyreform⁠