General questions regarding laws and principles 1. Please provide an overview of the legal and regulatory framework governing data protection and privacy in your jurisdiction (e.g., a summary of the key laws, who is covered by them, what sectors, activities or data do they regulate, and who enforces the relevant […]
Australia
Australia to pass cyber laws to protect critical networks against foreign attacks
Australia will introduce one of the world’s strictest cyber security laws to bolster its defences against attacks launched by foreign powers targeting its critical infrastructure. Canberra is preparing tougher legislation to protect national infrastructure assets from digital assault across 11 sectors, ranging from telecoms networks and electricity grids to water […]
Australia launches federal cybercrime centre as part of national plan
Image: Getty Images Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has launched a centre to bolster the country’s cybercrime fighting efforts. The AU$89 million cybercrime centre forms part of Home Affairs’ national plan to combat cybercrime, which was announced alongside the centre’s launch on Monday morning. The AU$89 million was provided […]
In brief: foreign bribery laws in Australia
Foreign bribery Legal framework Describe the elements of the law prohibiting bribery of a foreign public official. Section 70.2(1) of the Criminal Code (as currently in force) provides that the elements of the law prohibiting bribery of a foreign public official are: the person provides a benefit, causes a benefit […]
Australia Has Rolled Workers’ Rights Back to the 1800s
This year, Christmas came early for Australian employers and their lobbying associations, law firms, and political representatives. On August 4, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in the Rossato case (WorkPac Pty Ltd v Rossato [2021] HCA 23). Although the media has barely reported on the case, […]
Australia Leads with Controversial Cyber Laws
The Australian government is looking to pass the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020, an overhaul which is aimed to help Australian businesses fend off cyberattacks. The Bill expands the business sectors that were previously defined as critical infrastructure by adding, amongst others, Food and Grocery, Finance and Banking, […]
Australia set to gain ability to sanction cyber attackers under ‘Magnitsky-style’ law
A Bill allowing Australia to directly issue sanctions against cyber attackers is set to become law after being passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Bill, colloquially known as a “Magnitsky-style” of law, if enshrined, would allow the Australian government to directly issue sanctions against individuals or […]