Overhaul of privacy laws recommended

A report on the nation's privacy laws recommends federal legislation for serious invasion of privacy, where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Some media organisations had opposed such a move, arguing it would hinder investigative journalism and infringe freedom of expression.

The report, launched today by the Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland, also recommends national consistency, stronger penalties for breaches of the legislation and a simplification of privacy laws and regulations.

The Special Minister of State, John Faulkner, says the Federal Government will consider the recommendations in two stages, and expects to legislate on the first stage within 12 to 18 months.

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