privacy &
data protection solutions

With digital information now as the backbone of business operations, privacy and data protection are more important than ever. Managing employee records, client databases, or financial systems comes with the real and potentially devastating risk of a data breach, and understanding what is a data breach is critical, whether it’s caused by a cyberattack or internal mishandling.

Understanding what a data breach in Australia is, and how to prevent or respond to one is critical for protecting your organisation’s reputation, legal standing, and long-term viability. That’s where Macpherson Kelley comes in.

Expert advice for data protection and privacy compliance

We advise businesses across industries on data protection laws in Australia, offering strategic guidance on compliance, breach response, and future risk minimisation. From helping you understand what constitutes a breach of data protection to ensuring your systems align with the General Data Protection Regulation Australia (and other global standards), we’re here to protect your business every step of the way.

Macpherson Kelley is also part of the global PrivacyRules network of law firms advising on privacy law. Our lawyers understand the complexities of privacy law around the world and simplify it for our clients. Clients don’t need to be overwhelmed by what privacy laws demand. As long as they have policies to ensure personal data is protected, compliance is painless. We make it practical, less complex, and train staff so they know how to keep personal information private.

services

  • Access to information assessments and responses
  • Data breach response plans and notifications
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) advice
  • Privacy act compliance programs
  • Privacy act workshops and training sessions
  • Privacy documentation

recent experience

  • improved privacy policies after audit

    Travel agencies collect a lot of personal data. They have to, in order to do their job. Names and addresses, passport details and dates of birth are just some of the information they’ll collect as they book your holiday. Ensuring information is safe is a high priority. Macpherson Kelley undertook privacy policy audits for two large travel agency clients and identified improvements that could be made in how they handled personal data, for example, removing identifying information from feedback forms before they were forwarded to service providers.

  • information sharing sparks complaint

    A motor dealer client had an arrangement with a professional photography studio to share contact details of customers who bought a luxury car so they could offer them a free photo session. After a customer complained about her contact details being given unknowingly to the photographer, we recommended the client change its practice around how it offered the photo session. The advice was focused on avoiding the element of unwanted surprise. The client could either tell customers their details would be passed on to the photographer or they could provide the photographer’s details and customers could take up the offer themselves if they wanted to.

common questions

  • What are the data protection and privacy laws in Australia?

    Data protection laws in Australia are primarily governed by the Privacy Act 1988, which includes the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). These set out how personal information must be collected, stored, used and disclosed. Despite being overseas law, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may also apply to Australian businesses if they are selling to, or monitoring the behaviour of, European residents.

    A robust data protection policy is essential – not only to ensure compliance but also to reduce the risk of a major data breach. Our privacy lawyers help businesses navigate both domestic and international data obligations with commercial clarity.

  • How does a data protection lawyer help my business?

    A data privacy lawyer provides expert legal support in navigating complex regulations, drafting compliant data protection policies, responding to breaches, and managing investigations. We partner with your business to ensure compliance, minimise risks, and support operational integrity from a legal perspective. Learn how recent changes to the privacy landscape could impact your business and why updating your privacy policy matters.

book an appointment

Reach out today to speak with our privacy law experts and take the next step towards securing your business. We’re ready to help you navigate data protection laws, respond to breaches and implement practical solutions that protect your reputation and bottom line – visit one of our branch offices for more information: 

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