Privacy Act for Hotels
5 May 2014
Privacy Policy Changes for Hotels
In 1988, the Commonwealth Government enacted the Privacy Act 1988, which provided the legislative and legal framework for the collection and use of personal information in Australia. In Queensland the State Government has chosen not to enact its own privacy laws, but has put in place an administrative framework to ensure that the privacy act applies in Queensland.
The Privacy Act 1988 adopts a set of 11 National Privacy Principles (NPPs), of which 10 NPPs apply to businesses including hotels. These NPPs provide guidance as to what constitutes personal information, and how personal information should be treated, accessed, handled, stored and disposed.
Under the provisions of the Act, businesses and organisations including hotels, which collect information of a personal nature are required to develop and maintain their own Privacy Policy, which meets the requirement of the Act and the NPPs.
Hoteliers will need to ensure they develop their own privacy policy for their hotel as soon as possible. If you are unsure how to develop this, contact Mulcahy & Co Hotel Advisors
and speak to one of our hotel specialists.
Whenever a business or organisation collects information of a personal nature, the Privacy Act requires it to:
- Collect only necessary information;
- Provide information about why personal information is being collected and how it is handled
- Only use or disclose the personal information for the purpose of the collection, unless an exception applies
- Only retain the information for as long as necessary, consistent with the purpose of collection
- Store the information securely, and provide for it to be accessed by the individual if requested.
For more information about this contact Mulcahy & Co Hotel Advisors on 1300 204 781 or your can visit www.oaic.gov.au.
Latest News
Many employees leave roles not because of pay or conditions, but because they can’t see a future.
Across Australia, one of the strongest predictors of productivity stability and long term profitability is something many leaders still underestimate: people management.
Lending Partner in our Geelong office, Liam Nankervis talks about two Government assistance programs available. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme. Liam answers your questions and provides insight into these two important schemes available to help you buy your home! Watch the Podcast below or subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts.
Recovery support for people and communities affected by the Victorian fires that started on 7 January 2026. Victoria is facing severe bushfires throughout most of the state. A State of Disaster has been declared. Communities, farmers and businesses are facing heavy losses. The Victorian and Australian Governments are providing essential support to communities hit by the January bushfires. This aid will help with both immediate and long-term recovery needs. A summary of what if on offer is below: Financial Help for families Emergency Accommodation Long Term Recovery Help Clean-Up Help Help for Primary Producers and Farmers Counselling and Social Recovery Roads and community asset support Insurance Advice General Support Further information is available here: https://www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
