The big stories this week were the revelations about home affairs chief Mike Pezzullo, the government’s response to the Privacy Act review, and late to this page, a comprehensive review of the intelligence services.
Here’s what I’ve noticed since the previous edition on 22 September.
- Here’s a big one. We finally have the Government response to the Privacy Act Review Report and the Attorney-General’s press release on same. As the Guardian notes, New laws will give Australians the right to sue for ‘serious’ breaches of privacy, but the government merely “noted” the recommendation to remove political parties’ exception from the Privacy Act, leading to accusations of double standards. The government will also make automated decision-making transparent. The A-G was a bit hazy about exactly when the next steps will happen, however.
- The other big story this week was the Nine mastheads ripping into Mike Pezzullo, secretary of the Department of Home Affairs. “Our reporters have uncovered a cache of messages, sent by Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo to a Liberal powerbroker, where he tried to protect his allies and denigrate his enemies,” it began on Sydney, with more stories emerging throughout the week. Amazing stuff.
- I missed this one last Friday. The PM announced the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review, which will report back in the middle of next year.
- And finally, while it’s not solely cyberish it does have implications. Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities.
Please let me know if I’ve missed anything, or if there’s any specific items you’d like me to follow. Parliament is currently on break until 16 October.
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[Photo: Embattled secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Mike Pezzullo, currently stood down while his actions are investigated.]