The Defence Privacy Policy advises how Defence collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information. It ensures personal information is handled in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

The policy also advises what information Defence may collect, why it is needed, who it may be shared with, and how it is protected.

It applies to all Defence personnel, including Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Australian Public Service staff and contractors. It also applies to any persons external to Defence who at any time provide their personal information to the organisation.

In 2026, updates were made to the policy to support the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (RCDVS) - Recommendation 68: Strike the right balance between upholding confidentiality and disclosing information when a member is in distress. These updates explain what consent means, when health information can be used to support ADF members and when information can be shared in exceptional situations; this includes when mental health information may be disclosed to help keep people safe and supported.

Defence Privacy Policy (PDF, 412.11 KB)

Privacy notices

The following privacy notices relate to specific instance of personal information collection and treatment.

Defence Digital Media – Privacy Statement (PDF, 92.15 KB)

Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) Privacy Notice (PDF, 761.07 KB)

Defence Interim Solution Privacy Notice (PDF, 159.57 KB)

Directorate of Investigations Privacy Notice (PDF, 199.15 KB)

Defence Public Interest Disclosure Directorate Privacy Notice (PDF, 155.98 KB)

Submarine Rotational Force - West Priority Infrastructure Works Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) assessment (EPBC Referral 2024/10031) Privacy Notice (PDF, 616.99 KB)

Vulnerability Disclosure Program Privacy Notice (PDF, 146.06 KB)

Contacts

defence.privacy@defence.gov.au

Defence Privacy
R1-01-C
PO Box 7901
Canberra BC ACT 2610