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The long-awaited changes to Australia’s Privacy Act came into force in December 2024, significantly reshaping the privacy landscape and placing new obligations on organisations. Yet, nearly six months later, many businesses are still not compliant, unknowingly putting themselves at risk of substantial financial and reputational damage.
Here’s what you need to know—and why you should act immediately.
The Compliance Reality Check: You’re Probably at Risk
Recent analysis of typical records management and privacy policies reveals that many organisations were not fully compliant even before the changes took effect. Common gaps include:
- Unclear data retention schedules: Generic timelines or outdated procedures for data disposal.
- Limited awareness of sensitive information: Many businesses lack clarity about exactly what sensitive information they hold or where it is stored across their Microsoft 365 environment, particularly within SharePoint sites.
- Poor information security measures: Insufficient technical and organisational safeguards against breaches.
- Inadequate breach response plans: Slow or poorly documented procedures for addressing breaches.
- Non-transparent data handling: Lack of clarity about how personal data is used, especially in automated decision-making.
If your policy mirrors any of these gaps, you are exposed to the significantly enhanced penalties now in effect.
Key Changes in the Privacy Act—What’s Already in Effect
These critical amendments are now legally binding:
- New right to sue for serious invasions of privacy.
- OAIC empowered to enforce stronger penalties and issue compliance orders. See the OAIC’s Guide to Privacy Regulatory Action.
- Explicit requirements for comprehensive data security measures. See the Attorney-General’s Department Privacy Law Reform.
- Transparency mandates for automated decision-making (effective December 2026).
- Heightened protections for children’s data (effective December 2026). See the Children’s Online Privacy Code.
- Criminalisation of doxxing.
- Simplified guidelines for cross-border data transfers.
The Cost of Ignoring Compliance: Massive Fines Await
With the amendments now in effect, the cost of non-compliance has never been higher:
- Serious or repeated breaches: up to $50 million, three times the value gained, or 30% of turnover.
- Individuals: up to $2.5 million.
- Mid-tier offences: up to $3.13 million (corporate), $626,000 (individual).
- Administrative breaches: up to $313,000 (corporate), $62,600 (individual).
Given these stakes, compliance it’s NOT optional—it’s essential.
Practical Steps to Achieve Compliance
To avoid penalties and safeguard your organisation, take these immediate steps:
- Conduct a comprehensive audit of your privacy and records management practices.
- Define and implement retention and disposal schedules.
- Identify and classify sensitive data across your Microsoft 365 environment, especially SharePoint.
- Enhance technical and organisational security controls.
- Develop clear breach-response procedures.
- Ensure transparency in automated data processes.
Understanding Microsoft Purview and Its Role in Microsoft 365
Microsoft Purview is a comprehensive data governance solution integrated within Microsoft 365, designed specifically to manage, protect, and govern data effectively:
- Automated data discovery and classification across services including SharePoint.
- Streamlined policy enforcement for retention, disposal, and protection.
- Real-time monitoring and compliance reporting.
Total Calibration specialises in implementing Microsoft Purview solutions, ensuring seamless integration with SharePoint and your broader Microsoft 365 environment to comprehensively address the compliance requirements of the Australian Privacy Act. Our approach begins with a detailed assessment of your existing data governance practices, enabling you to clearly understand your compliance risks and sensitive information exposure.
Take Action Today
Don’t leave your organisation exposed to unnecessary risk. Book your complimentary compliance check-up today or request a demo of how Microsoft Purview and SharePoint can significantly enhance your data governance capabilities.
Act now—protect your business and avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Contact Total Calibration now to secure your compliance future.
About the Author
Drew Keenan is Founder and CEO at Total Calibration, which specialises in Content Managment and Data Governance Solutions for Microsoft 365. With a passion for helping organisations navigate the complexities of digital collaboration, Drew provides insights and strategies to enhance data protection and regulatory compliance.