Australia: Privacy Reform – A Significant Expansion of Privacy Framework

In brief

On 31 August 2026, the Government released a Consultation Paper (“Paper”) and an Exposure Draft of the Privacy Amendment (Personal Data Protection) Bill 2026 (“Draft Bill”). 

The amendments proposed to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (“Privacy Act”) implement a number of reforms proposed in the Attorney-General's Department's report in 2022 (“Review”) that were "agreed in principle" as Tranche 2 amendments by the Australian Government in 2024 (“Response”). Several additional measures are also proposed. Finally, the Paper seeks input on measures to address privacy issues arising from emerging technologies, and on supporting efficient administration and enforcement by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

The consultation period is currently open, with submissions accepted until Friday 18 September 2026.

Download the full alert of Australia: Privacy Reform – A Significant Expansion of Privacy Framework.

This alert was prepared with the assistance of Maxine Betty, Camilla McDonald, Junior Associates, and Hamish Galbraith, Graduate at Law.