Australia’s New Data Privacy Rules: What Perth Businesses Need to Know
Australia’s updated data-privacy framework raises the bar for how businesses collect, store, and protect personal data. For Perth SMBs, it’s both a challenge — and an opportunity to strengthen customer trust.
Why these reforms matter
Australia’s digital economy has evolved faster than its laws. The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) marks the most significant reform to the Privacy Act 1988 in over a decade — bringing real consequences for small and medium-sized businesses.
These changes emphasise stronger accountability, higher penalties, and expanded rights for individuals. Perth businesses must review how customer and employee data is collected, stored, and secured to avoid legal and reputational risk.
What’s changing
Following years of consultation, the Federal Government has confirmed wide-ranging reforms designed to modernise digital data protection across Australia.
Key updates include:
- Mandatory breach notifications with stricter timelines
- Expanded rights for individuals to access, correct, and delete data
- Heavier penalties for mishandling personal information
- Clearer consent standards for data collection and analytics
These changes align Australia more closely with Europe’s GDPR, emphasising consumer rights and organisational accountability.
1. A new right to sue for privacy breaches
From 10 June 2025, Australians can now take legal action for serious invasions of privacy.
This new statutory tort gives individuals direct access to the courts — independent of the Privacy Act.
For small businesses, that means an accidental data leak, misuse of CCTV, or mishandling of employee information could result in litigation, not just OAIC investigation.
What to do:
- Review data-handling and access policies
- Limit who can view or export sensitive information
- Test and document your data-breach response plan
2. “Technical and organisational measures” are now mandatory
The amended Act now requires all businesses to take technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal data — mirroring GDPR-style accountability.
Examples include:
- Encryption of stored data and use of endpoint protection
- Enforced access controls and multi-factor authentication
- Regular software patching and data-retention reviews
Tech Hero Tip: Conduct a Privacy Health Check every six months to confirm your systems meet the new standards.
3. AI and automated decision-making transparency
If your business uses AI or automation to make decisions that affect people — such as credit approvals, recruitment filters, or pricing tools — you must disclose it.
By 10 December 2026, all privacy policies must:
- Identify which decisions are automated or AI-assisted
- Explain how personal data influences those decisions
- Ensure “privacy by design” and accuracy of AI-generated data
Action point: Audit any automation in your workflows and start updating your privacy documentation.
4. Stronger protection for children’s data
The OAIC is developing a Children’s Online Privacy Code, due December 2026, to protect users under 18.
It will apply to social media, education technology, and connected devices that collect information from children.
Action point: Perth-based schools, childcare providers, and app developers should begin reviewing their data-collection practices and consent processes.
5. Employee and IoT data under scrutiny
Recent OAIC rulings show a narrower view of the employee-records exemption, meaning employers cannot automatically rely on it for all staff data.
The OAIC has also warned that IoT and smart-device manufacturers must treat all device-collected data as personal information and obtain informed consent for any secondary uses, such as analytics or insurance.
Tech Hero Advice: Businesses using smart sensors, cameras, or connected vehicles should treat all collected data as personal and review privacy notices accordingly.
How Perth businesses can stay compliant
- Update your privacy policy — include clear language about data usage and AI automation.
- Train your team — every staff member handling data must understand privacy obligations.
- Implement robust cybersecurity controls — encryption, backups, access management, and MFA.
- Document your compliance efforts — keep written records of audits and policy updates.
- Plan ahead for 2026 — expect further reforms, including a potential “fair and reasonable” data-use test.
Perth SMBs using CRMs, email marketing, or cloud apps will also need to ensure those systems meet updated compliance standards. Review what customer data you collect, why you collect it, and whether your third-party providers meet the same requirements.
How Tech Hero Can Help
While only a lawyer can provide legal advice, many of the new privacy requirements come down to technology and website implementation — and that’s where Tech Hero can help.
We assist Perth businesses with the technical side of compliance by:
- Updating website privacy-policy pages to include the latest transparency and consent requirements
- Adding or improving cookies banners for clearer user consent
- Securing contact forms and submissions with encryption and safe data handling
- Reviewing third-party integrations such as CRMs, payment, or booking systems
- Providing a Privacy Health Check to identify risks and recommend practical improvements
Tech Hero ensures your website and digital tools are secure, transparent, and built for compliance — giving you confidence that your online presence supports Australia’s new privacy standards.
Turning compliance into opportunity
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about building trust.
Businesses that communicate privacy clearly and proactively earn greater customer confidence and loyalty.
By treating privacy as part of your brand rather than a checkbox, you not only protect your data — you strengthen your reputation.
