State Government and the Information Privacy Principles Instruction

State Government agencies are required to comply with the Information Privacy Principles Instruction (IPPI).

The IPPI regulates the way State Government agencies can; collect use, store and disclose personal information. 

The IPPs also include a right for an individual to access and amend their own personal information via the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

The principal officer, or Chief Executive, of each agency is required to ensure the IPPI is implemented, maintained and observed in respect to the personal information the agency collects or holds.  The policy that outlines the agencies how personal information is managed within the agency should be made available to the public.

Local Government and South Australian universities

Local Government authorities and South Australian Universities are not covered by either the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998 or the IPPI.

Enquiries regarding Local Government authorities or South Australian Universities should be made directly to the organisation.

Private companies and Commonwealth agencies

The Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, protects the privacy of an individual's information where it relates to:

  • Commonwealth agencies and
  • private businesses (including not-for-profit organisations) with a turnover of more than $3 million.

Privacy enquiries about the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, should be directed to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on 1300 363 992.

Other South Australian legislation

Although no specific state privacy legislation exists, other South Australian legislation protects elements of privacy, including: