PIAC strongly supports the introduction of a statutory cause of action for serious invasions of privacy.

In November 2011, PIAC made a submission to the Commonwealth Government in response to its discussion paper about the proposed introduction of a statutory cause of action for serious invasion of privacy.

Following the News of the World hacking scandal last year, there has been a renewed debate about introducing a statutory cause of action for breach of privacy in Australia.

‘Every year PIAC receives a significant number of calls from people who have had their privacy breached,’ said PIAC senior solicitor Lizzie Simpson.

‘Complaints range from an individual who was devastated to read a newspaper report about the death of a relative before the police had even confirmed the death with the deceased’s family; through to a woman who was upset that her local club had given information about her gambling habits to her ex-husband, who then used the material in divorce proceedings.

‘PIAC believes that Australia’s current legal framework does not adequately protect Australians’ privacy rights,’ Ms Simpson said.

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