Privacy cuts to OAIC and FOI

There will be big changes to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and Freedom of Information functions.
Australia Government, Public Sector
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

There have been substantial changes to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and Freedom of Information (FOI) functions. The Privacy Commissioner, who received greater powers under the Privacy Act reforms that were introduced earlier this year, is to be moved to the Australian Human Rights Commission. The OAIC itself will be disbanded. The Attorney-General's Department will take responsibility for issuing FOI guidelines and providing explanatory material while the Administrative Affairs Tribunal will oversee the external merits review of FOI decisions. Norton Rose Fulbright partner Nick Abrahams said that it will be interesting to see what impact this change has on the Privacy Commissioner's ability to effectively enforce his new privacy powers.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Privacy cuts to OAIC and FOI

Australia Government, Public Sector

Contributor

See More Popular Content From

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More