Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) 2022

# Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) 2022 ## What it does This bill strengthens Australia's privacy enforcement by giving the Australian Information Commissioner more power to investigate privacy breaches and handle complaints. It also clarifies which government agencies must follow privacy laws and tightens the rules on who can make important privacy decisions. ## Why it matters When companies or government agencies mishandle your personal data, you need someone with real authority to investigate and hold them accountable. This update makes that process clearer and potentially faster by removing unnecessary delegation rules that slowed things down. ## Key details - **Who decides on complaints**: Only senior staff in the Information Commissioner's office (ranked as "SES employees" or equivalent) can now make final decisions on privacy complaints and investigations — preventing junior staff from making these calls - **Expanded coverage**: Government agencies that enforce Commonwealth laws (like tax or welfare authorities) are now explicitly covered by privacy enforcement rules, closing gaps in coverage - **Takes effect immediately**: The law comes into force the day after it receives Royal Assent, so changes happen quickly

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament