Other
Privacy and human rights
Q. I am concerned about my privacy given the significant changes being introduced as a result of COVID-19.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has provided advice on privacy in the context of COVID-19. This includes the guide Coronavirus (COVID-19): Understanding your privacy obligations to your staff.
Q. I need to use personal information in different ways due to COVID-19. Are my privacy obligations the same during the pandemic?
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has provided advice on privacy in the context of COVID-19. This includes the guide Coronavirus (COVID-19): Understanding your privacy obligations to your staff.
Q. Will my pre-existing complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner be progressed during the pandemic?
Visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website for further information about privacy complaints.
Q. I am required to self-isolate or quarantine. Is this a breach of my human rights?
Please refer to the Australian Human Rights Commission for further information about human rights.
Q: What legal protections are being put in place to ensure my privacy in relation to the COVIDSafe App?
Full details of the legislation can be on the COVIDSafe legislation page
Royal Commissions
Q. I want to engage with the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (also known as the Bushfire Royal Commission). How does COVID-19 affect me?
The Royal Commission into National Disaster Arrangements has adjusted its operations in line with the Australian Government’s health advice about COVID-19. This includes digital rather than in-person engagement. Find out more on the Bushfire Royal Commission website.
Q. I want to engage with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. How does COVID-19 affect me?
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has resumed hearings and workshops. However, there is currently no public access, subject to ongoing review. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is based on Australian Government advice.
Q. I want to engage with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. How does COVID-19 affect me?
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability resumed public activities in August 2020. Private sessions have also resumed. All Royal Commission activities and engagement are subject to change, in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.
Hearings planned for the rest of the year will be conducted in a COVID-safe way. This includes using video conferencing. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most witnesses will appear by video. Hearings will be livestreamed on the Royal Commission website. Due to restrictions, the hearing room will not be open to the public.
You can also share your experiences with the Royal Commission:
- by phone
- in writing
- via audio or video recording.
Foreign Influence Transparency Register
Q. Can I continue to register on the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme register and the Australian Government Register of Lobbyists during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. Visit the Australian Government Register of Lobbyists and Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme pages for more information, including registration obligations.