3 Mothers News

January 2002

New Australian Privacy Laws

Australians now have laws that protects their privacy against misuse by unscrupulous marketeers in private sector amendments to the Privacy Act 1988, which came into effect 21 December 2001.

These new Australian Privacy Laws make it the responsibility of business to be honest about how you obtain and handle people's personal details.

These new laws are meant to prevent individual's name and address from being added to mailing lists without their knowledge and often sold (or shared) to other marketing companies in their pursuit of financial gain. Affecting companies with turnover of $3million or more, the new privacy laws give Australian businesses a new opportunity to excel in world standards of customer service.

Australian internet businesses will need to refocus their websites to accommodate the new laws. They will also need to ask the permission of their entire mail list to continue receiving mail-outs.

Aussie Businesses face the additional challenge of having to seek the permission of any new customers in order to send them marketing and advertising mail, including info, offers, specials and even company newsletters.

Also, it's imperative that you offer an easy way to get off your mail list, or unsubscribe - no questions asked...

What's this all mean ?

Basically, you'll need some pretty compelling stuff in your mail-outs in the future, if you want to keep your mailing list alive. The standard of personal privacy handling will improve to provide better customer service and a more qualified mailing list.

For many businesses, not much will change. Australian companies should continue learning what customers already like about their stuff, and working on new ways to attract more business.

Your existing customer base, suppliers, partners, dealers, employees and anyone who ever approaches your business should remain your mailing list - you just need to ask first.

3Mothers are currently advising and working on client sites right now. If you have any issues, or need to audit your procedures, please contact us here now.

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