Australia is undergoing its biggest privacy and data protection overhaul in decades, driven by the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) and related reforms and ongoing regulatory change. Massive penalty increases are increasing the risks to both business and individuals in what is now a risk-based and enforcement heavy system. With the guidance of experts gain knowledge, practical strategies for compliance and be prepared should the regulators knock.

Presenters

Theonie Scott, Special Counsel, Corrs Chambers
Theonie has practiced in the privacy and technology field for over a decade and has substantial experience in advising on all aspects of privacy, technology contracting, data commercialization and protection, digital transformation, licensing of intellectual property and franchising law. She is a trusted advisor to both Australian and international clients across a range of industries including banking, higher education, technology, social media, loyalty programs, hospitality, motor vehicle and fuel retailers and consumer goods.

Bronwyn Furse, Partner, Thomson Geer
Bronwyn Furse is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in the areas of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity, and intellectual property amongst others. Her practice traverses public and private industry sectors including financial services, government, health, health tech and other technology providers, manufacturing, automotive, higher education, health, manufacturing, energy and resources, from start-ups through to multinational groups. Working with multinational groups means Bronwyn's work involves complex cross border work and understanding of relationships between various local and offshore privacy regimes. In relation to privacy, data protection and cybersecurity she routinely provides advisory services, manages data breaches, complaints and investigations, assists with contractual negotiations, develops compliance frameworks, undertakes audits, conducts privacy impact assessments, and delivers tailored training. Bronwyn is on the Australia and New Zealand advisory board for the International Association of Privacy Professionals, as well as the Licensing Executives Society. She is routinely recognised by her peers as one of the Best Lawyers in Australia in the areas of Privacy and Data Security Law, Intellectual Property Law and Franchise Law, and in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended lawyer in the areas of Intellectual Property and in Technology, Media & Telecommunications Law.

Geoff McGrath, Partner, Ashurst
Geoff specialises in privacy, data and cyber matters, as well as technology transactions and telecommunications. He advises clients in Australia and abroad on major cyber incidents, privacy investigations, data breach notifications and regulatory engagement. His experience includes large scale, cross-jurisdictional data breach matters as part of Ashurst's global data protection team. He also advises on the procurement and outsourcing of technology, digital transformation, software and cloud services. He has substantial experience advising in relation to new and emerging data regulations such as automated decision making and artificial intelligence, internet of things, the consumer data right, privacy reforms, data breach notifications and security of critical infrastructure (SOCI). He works closely with Ashurst Risk Advisory on cyber, privacy and data matters. Geoff is sought after for his expertise in data and energy-tech. He works regularly with digital platforms, and in the energy, telecommunications and financial services sectors, as well as tech startups. He also acts for both State and Commonwealth Government departments. He has published a number of articles on privacy and data, and presents regularly on privacy, data and technology issues.