Government Matters

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Welcome to Government Matters, your online resource for all things relevant across all levels of government – Commonwealth, state and territory, and local government.

On this page you will find our latest thinking in the form of alerts, publications, articles and opinions. With our insights all in the one place, we aim to make it as easy as possible to find what you are looking for to support you in the work you do every day.

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16 September 2026 | Australia's proposed 'Digital Duty of Care' for online services – filling some gaps in Australia's privacy protections

On 8 September 2026, the Australian Government released an exposure draft of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026.

10 September 2026 | A new era for privacy in Australia: implications of Privacy Act reform tranche 2

The Australian Government has released a Consultation Paper and Exposure Draft for the Privacy Amendment (Personal Data Protection) Bill 2026, which is the highly anticipated second tranche of privacy reforms.

8 September 2026 | Introducing Trivity, Sparke Helmore's technology partner

Trivity embeds legal, governance and operational considerations into the design of its technology.

31 August 2026 | The FOI Act and APP 12 - A tale of two information access regimes

The FOI Act provides a right of access to documents held by the Commonwealth Government. However, it is not the only means for individuals to gain access to information.

25 August 2026 | Case Note: 'BBM' and Department of Defence (Freedom of Information)

This recent decision discusses the application of section 24A of the FOI Act and provides a useful reminder of what sort of evidence an agency may consider providing in IC review proceedings.

21 August 2026 | Formalisation of ATEC

In this fifth article in our Higher Education Reform series, we examine the establishment of ATEC, the key legislative changes made following consultation, and what ATEC's emerging priorities may mean for higher education providers.

20 August 2026 | Autonomous AI and unauthorised access: navigating privacy and cybersecurity risks

This article examines how Australia's criminal and privacy laws may apply when AI is involved in unauthorised access to data and outlines the practical steps organisations should take.

12 August 2026 | Case note: 'BBK' and the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (Freedom of information)

In this recent decision, the Freedom of Information Commissioner discusses the application of irrelevant material under s 22 of the FOI Act and the application of ss 47C and 47F of the FOI Act.

29 July 2026 | Case note: 'BAZ' and Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Freedom of Information)

In this recent decision of the Freedom of Information Commissioner discusses whether the Australian Trade and Investment Commission's decision to find the applicant liable to pay a charge of $560.00 under s 29 of the Freedom of Information Act was the correct and preferable decision in the circumstances.

28 July 2026 | New Procurement Guidelines seek to lift council procurement performance

In this article, we review the new Procurement Guidelines and consider what councils need to do to implement them.

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Ben Dubé
National Practice Group Leader
t: +61 7 3016 5008+61 7 3016 5008
o: Brisbane

Paul Tobin
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t: +61 2 4924 7345+61 2 4924 7345
m: +61 431 095 563+61 431 095 563
o: Newcastle

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