Australia: Implemented Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 containing Data protection authority provisions

On 12 March 2014, the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 entered into force. The Act updates and increases the powers of the Privacy Commissioner. Particularly, the Act strengthens the Commissioner's power to conduct "own motion" investigations and compliance and privacy impact assessments. Moreover, the Commissioner is enabled to recognise external dispute resolution schemes dealing with privacy-related complaints.