Resurrecting the right to privacy:

PIAC’s submission to this major review notes the comprehensive nature of DP 72 and commends the ALRC on its work in this area. In general, PIAC notes that the ALRC has produced a model for reform of privacy law that will greatly simplify the complex and confusing framework that currently exists. PIAC’s submission highlights three concerns: the numerous proposals in DP 72 for matters to be the subject of guidance, or further guidance, from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC); the failure to come to grips with the essential meaning of the term ‘privacy’; and the need to consider the balance of the public interest in historic, social or medical research and privacy protections. In PIAC’s view, this tension remains an important one to consider fully and resolve. PIAC responds to most of the Discussion Paper and promotes a human rights approach to the protection of privacy.