Summary

3.1 As background to the proposals in this Discussion Paper, this chapter sets out a brief survey of the existing legal regulation and remedies that protect people’s privacy in Australia. The existing legal protection of privacy in Australia takes many forms. Protection of privacy interests of individuals can be found in regulatory schemes, criminal laws and civil or private law.

3.2 This is followed by a brief summary of the main gaps or deficiencies in the way that Australian law prevents or redresses serious invasions of privacy. In the ALRC’s view, the existing law is a patchwork, with some important pieces missing and inconsistencies between others.