Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

PRIVACY ACT 1988 - SECT 29

                   In the performance of his or her functions, and the exercise of his or her powers, under this Act, the Commissioner shall:

                     (a)  have due regard for the protection of important human rights and social interests that compete with privacy, including the general desirability of a free flow of information (through the media and otherwise) and the recognition of the right of government and business to achieve their objectives in an efficient way;

                     (b)  take account of:

                              (i)  international obligations accepted by Australia, including those concerning the international technology of communications; and

                             (ii)  developing general international guidelines relevant to the better protection of individual privacy;

                     (c)  ensure that his or her recommendations and guidelines are, within the limitations of the powers of the Commonwealth, capable of acceptance, adaptation and extension throughout Australia; and

                     (d)  ensure that his or her directions and guidelines are consistent with whichever of the following (if any) are relevant:

                              (i)  the Information Privacy Principles;

                             (ii)  the National Privacy Principles;

                            (iii)  the Code of Conduct and Part IIIA.