Stronger Privacy And Data Sharing Laws To Protect
Stronger laws to protect the personal information of Western Australians while allowing the responsible sharing of government data will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
An independent Information Commissioner, Privacy Deputy Commissioner and Information Access Deputy Commissioner will have a range of robust powers between them, including the power to consider and resolve privacy complaints.
Privacy and technology expert Annelies Moens has been appointed Information Commissioner, and will commence 28 July 2025, providing the public sector with a 12-month lead-in time to prepare for the new laws.
The legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and also establishes a Chief Data Officer to lead and develop public sector capability for secure and responsible data sharing in line with international best practice.
The suite of new laws falls under the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act) and the Information Commissioner Act 2024.
As part of the government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will be empowered to access and use the data.
An information breach scheme, requiring agencies to notify the Information Commissioner and affected individuals of serious information breaches, will commence on 1 January 2027.
For more information about the PRIS Act, visit wa.gov.au/government/privacy-and-responsible-information-sharing .
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
“Privacy protections are becoming more important than ever as technology, such as artificial intelligence, becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday lives.
“The new laws position our State as a privacy leader in Australia, introducing unique protections around automated decision-making and protecting de-identified information.
“The government is committed to protecting the personal information of all Western Australians and the new independent privacy regulator will guarantee ongoing compliance.”
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This legislation balances the public interests in protecting privacy with the safe flow of government data.
“Enabling the sharing of government-held information with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is a vital step toward Aboriginal people accessing and using data for their needs.
“These new laws will unlock valuable information to improve outcomes in health, education and planning, while upholding the highest standards of privacy and responsible data sharing.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Stronger-privacy-and-data-sharing-laws-to-protect–20250722