Most businesses in Australia that handle information about individuals (personal information) are subject to the federal Privacy Act.  The Act also applies to Commonwealth government agencies and credit providers. Telecommunications businesses are subject to additional rules.  New South Wales, Victoria,  Tasmania, the ACT and the NT also have laws which apply to their government agencies. Specific laws apply to health information, Spam and telemarketing, and also for surveillance devices.

As more and more of our daily transactions are recorded electronically, the potential for abuse of that information is increasing.  Individuals are understandably concerned about the use of their personal details without their knowledge or consent.  Consumers will increasingly only deal with businesses that they trust to respect their privacy - not only by complying with the law, but by giving them choices.