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Introduction to complaints
The Commissioner can investigate complaints about actions that may be a breach of the privacy principles in the Privacy Act. She can also consider matters that may breach other provisions of the Privacy Act.
Does your complaint fall within the Privacy Act? Follow the flowchart of the complaints process to answer this question.
Before you make a formal complaint to us:
- Contact the agency and let it know what the problem is. Agencies can often sort out problems quickly and satisfactorily without the need for us to get involved.
- All agencies are supposed to have a privacy officer (someone who is familiar with the Act, and with the agency’s information handling practices). So if you’re unsure who could help you, this is a good person to ask for.
- Call our enquiries line (phone 0800 803 909) or email. The enquiries staff can also help you if you need to know more about the complaints process, the Act, or the work of the Office generally.
If you’ve decided you want to lodge a complaint:
- Fill out the Complaint form.
- Check our Frequently Asked Questions.
- For further information on the law, see our detailed section on the Privacy Act (and related legislation), search our case notes, or browse through our News and Publications.