The main objects of this Act are:

(a)

to establish a single comprehensive national scheme providing, through codes adopted by private sector organisations and National Privacy Principles, for the appropriate collection, holding, use, correction, disclosure and transfer of personal information by those organisations; and

(b)

to do so in a way that:

(i)

meets international concerns and Australia's international obligations relating to privacy; and

(ii)

recognises individuals' interests in protecting their privacy; and

(iii)

recognises 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 right of business to achieve its objectives efficiently.