Last updated: 22nd March 2026
Privacy awareness week is an annual event hosted by the Office of the Australia Information Commissioner (OAIC).
These three 'Power Up Your Priavcy" documents were made available during PAW 2024.
The information covered is still relevant. You can sign up to be part of PAW 2026. Visit the OAIC website for more information.
About Privacy Awareness Week
PAW (Privacy Awareness Week) is an annual campaign. Your organisation can "sign up" and then access a range of resouces to help you convey your commitment to privacy, accountablity and security.
The good people at King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) Australia have produced a tech regulation tracker. A single location to help you stay abreast of changes impacting technology. The updated Privacy Act is just one of those changes.
The tracker is divided into five areas:
- Digital Economy
- Data & Privacy (this is our focus at the moment)
- AI & Virtual
- Cyber Security &
- Digital Infrastructure
If you jump to the Q3 & Q4 2024 section, you will find the Privacy Act changes highlighted for August. You will also notice significant activities focussing on Digital Economy, AI & Virtual and Cyber Security.
"The regulatory framework in Australia is constantly evolving, as lawmakers seek to keep pace with rapidly developing technologies that are transforming Australia’s economy.
Every technological break-through seems to bring with it a new regulatory challenge, and to shine light on potential gaps in existing laws.
Getting regulatory settings right, by striking a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting against risk, has never been more difficult or more important."*
*SOURCE: KWM Tech Regulation Tracker
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has a dedicated page on its website that provides links around common mistakes and issues seen in their complaint handling and investigations.
Here are two examples from ACMA:
Welcome Journeys
"So-called ‘welcome journeys’ are not exempt from the law, as they often contain commercial content. We see businesses that do not have adequate consent and unsubscribe processes for automated SMS and email ‘welcome journeys’ sent to new and prospective customers. ‘Welcome journeys’ must comply with the spam rules."
Outsourced Marketing
"Businesses often outsource their telemarketing and e-marketing to third parties or purchase marketing lists from external providers. Businesses must be aware however, that they cannot outsource their obligations under the spam and telemarketing laws through these arrangements. Ultimately, the business is responsible."
We've seen ADMA popping up in a range of articles over the past few months.
As a membership-based industry body, they do a good job of representing the industry.
We will share content from ADMA from time to time.
About ADMA
"The Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) is the principal industry body for data-driven marketing and advertising. ADMA is also the ultimate authority and go-to resource for effective and creative data-driven marketing across all channels and platforms, providing insight, ideas and innovation for today's marketing industry."*
*SOURCE: adma.com.au
Privacy Act Review | Report 2022
Government Response | Privacy Act Review | Report 2022
Privacy guidance for reporting entities under the AML/CTF Act
The Attorney-General's Department
The Attorney General works to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework.
Through the Australian Government Solicitor, they also provide legal services to the Commonwealth, including legal advice and representation.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
The OAIC is an independent agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio.
Their primary functions are privacy, freedom of information and government information policy.
Their responsibilities include conducting investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice.
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
The ACCC promotes competition in markets to benefit consumers, businesses, and the community.
They also regulate national infrastructure services.
They're responsible for making sure that individuals and businesses comply with Australian competition and consumer protection laws - in particular the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Australian Communications & Media Authority
ACMA regulates communications and media to contribute to maximising the economic and social benefits of communications infrastructure, services and content for Australia.
They're also the government body you don't want to get a call from, if you do, respond immediately.
General Data & Privacy Regulation
The GDPR is European Union legislation. It's often referred to as the "ganddaddy" of privacy legislation.
It's likely the Australian Government has looked closely at the GDPR given it's been law across the EU since May 2018.
California (USA) Consumer Privacy Act
The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them and the CCPA regulations provide guidance on how to implement the law.
This landmark law secures new privacy rights for California consumers.
DISCLAIMER: Just to let you know, we're not offering legal advice. We encourage your organisation to refer to in-house counsel or other legal service providers to ensure compliance with changes being legislated by the Australian Government.
Hero photograph on this page by Marcus Reubenstein on Unsplash
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