--- title: Privacy Act Updates 2026 - Checklist Download description: de.iterate connects policies, risks, evidence, audits & reporting in one integrated GRC platform, helping accountants, lawyers & real estate agents run Privacy Act compliance --- # Privacy Act Changes are Coming from 1 July 2026 ## A practical guide for newly regulated businesses A lot of businesses are about to discover that privacy compliance is no longer something that only happens to “big business”. If you, your customers, or your supply chain, operate in industries like real estate, law and accounting, you'll need to take note. The penalties for failing to comply are infringement notices of up to $66,000 for individuals. For corporations, penalties can reach up to $50 million. These changes are part of Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding (AML/CTF) reforms, being brought in under AUSTRAC regulation. From 1 July 2026, your business will need to comply regardless of size—even if you are a small business with annual turnover under $3 million.  For many newly regulated businesses in law, real estate and finance, this is a privacy wake-up call. [Schedule a Demo](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/andrew64) ![deiterate-platform](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/deiterate-platform.png?width=1022&height=1022&name=deiterate-platform.png) # Download our Free Guide to the Privacy Act Changes #### Get practical guidance on the Privacy Act changes coming from 1 July 2026, plus a readiness checklist for newly regulated businesses. Complete the form to access your copy. ![privacy-act-guide](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/privacy-act-guide.png?width=1212&height=1714&name=privacy-act-guide.png) ## What you'll get in our free guide **A plain-English overview of the reforms**: Understand what's changing from 1 July 2026 and why newly regulated businesses need to pay attention now. **What this means in practice**: Learn the practical expectations around collecting only what you need, keeping personal information secure, avoiding unnecessary copies of ID documents, and deleting or de-identifying data when it is no longer needed. **A readiness checklist for newly regulated businesses**: Work through 10 practical steps covering regulation checks, personal information handling, ID practices, data storage, security controls, privacy documents, retention, ownership and AML/CTF program preparation. **Guidance on how de.iterate can help**: See how one integrated platform can make Privacy Act obligations simpler, clearer and more sustainable by bringing policies, training, registers, evidence, assurance tasks, audits and reporting into one place. ![risk-register-mock-up](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/risk-register-mock-up.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=risk-register-mock-up.png) ## Accountants, lawyers and real estate agents operate in a high-trust, high-risk environment Trust is everything. Clients rely on you to handle sensitive legal, financial and personal information with care. At the same time, cyber threats, privacy obligations, operational risk and growing client expectations are putting more pressure on firms to demonstrate mature, well-managed governance. Plus, from 1 July 2026, new obligations will apply to lawyers, accountants and real estate agents as part of the Privacy Act reforms, bringing many businesses into a more formal privacy and compliance environment for the first time. The OAIC’s updated guidance highlights practical expectations such as collecting only what is needed, keeping it secure, not holding onto full ID documents unnecessarily, and deleting information when it is no longer required. For firms that are already managing high volumes of personal information, the message is clear: privacy and compliance can no longer sit in disconnected folders, generic policy templates or staff memory. [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) ![admin-mock-up](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/admin-mock-up.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=admin-mock-up.png) ## Where companies often struggle In many law firms, accounting practices, and real estate agencies compliance becomes fragmented over time. Policies exist, but they are not always current or consistently followed. Risk and incident management may be handled in separate documents. Privacy obligations sit with one team, cyber security with another, and operational assurance somewhere in between. Evidence is spread across shared drives, email threads and legacy systems. The result is unnecessary risk and too much time spent chasing information when scrutiny increases. de.iterate helps accounting firms replace that fragmentation with one connected management system. [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) ## How de.iterate helps Aussie businesses de.iterate brings the key parts of your compliance program into one integrated platform, helping your firm manage privacy, cyber security and governance in a more structured and defensible way. With de.iterate, you can: centralise policies, procedures and supporting documentation; manage risk, privacy, supplier, asset and incident registers in one place; assign ownership and accountability across the practice; keep evidence linked to the right controls, policies and obligations; and improve audit readiness, reporting and internal visibility. Instead of relying on disconnected files, static documents and manual reminders, your firm gets one system that helps compliance become part of everyday operations. ![innovation](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/innovation.png?width=329&height=275&name=innovation.png) ### Keep evidence in context Evidence only matters when it proves the right thing. de.iterate keeps your evidence connected to the policy, control, risk, asset, supplier, incident or audit trail that gives it meaning. So you're not just collecting files, you're building defensible assurance. [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) ![collaboration](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/collaboration.png?width=320&height=270&name=collaboration.png) ### Stay ready between audits Great compliance is not built in the two weeks before the auditor arrives. de.iterate helps you stay continuously ready with dynamic documentation, live registers, recurring assurance workflows, real-time visibility and reporting that reflects the current state of your program. Get Started ![integrity-sm](https://deiterate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/integrity-sm.png?width=320&height=270&name=integrity-sm.png) ### Turn requirements into real work de.iterate translates standards, controls and obligations into practical, assignable actions. Instead of vague intentions and oversized policy manuals, your team gets clear tasks, structured checklists, owned actions and a live compliance calendar that keeps the program moving. Get Started ## Why choose de.iterate From setup to scale, every feature is designed to help your team save time, stay focused, and drive meaningful results. ### Expert support, not just software de.iterate combines technology with hands-on support from experienced GRC professionals based in Australia. From onboarding through to certification, our team works with you to build momentum quickly, helping many organisations get audit-ready in less than 12 weeks and providing practical support through external audits and ongoing compliance activities. ### Protect client trust Support stronger, more consistent handling of sensitive and confidential information across the firm. ### Reduce operational fragmentation Bring policies, risks, evidence and reporting together in one platform instead of across multiple disconnected systems. ### Prepare for regulatory scrutiny Build a clearer, more defensible compliance program in response to the OAIC’s privacy focus and expanding legal obligations. ### Strengthen governance Create clearer ownership, better visibility and a more consistent approach to compliance across teams and practice areas. ### Improve audit and assurance readiness Build a stronger evidence trail and a more defensible compliance posture for clients, insurers, partners and regulators. ### Support evolving complexity Scale your compliance program as frameworks expand, business structures change and governance expectations increase. View All ## Key Features ### A smarter way to manage compliance de.iterate combines policies, training, registers, evidence, reporting and assurance workflows in one integrated platform, helping you reduce complexity, stay audit-ready and turn compliance into business as usual. Every feature is designed to save time, strengthen accountability and make GRC compliance easier to manage across your organisation. ![Assurance Tasks](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/archive-icon_blue.svg) ### Assurance Tasks Our solution tracks and schedules assurance tasks and notifies the responsible staff member. Compliance activities are broken down into small, manageable tasks that can be completed quickly and easily. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ![Risk & Asset Registers](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/apps-icon_blue.svg) ### Risk & Asset Registers Data privacy starts with good risk management. We make it as easy as possible with your very own risk and asset registers that capture risks, assigns owners, set review periods and document treatment plans. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ![Compliance Calendar](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/analytics-icon_blue.svg) ### Compliance Calendar Keeping on top of your assurance tasks couldn’t be easier with our compliance calendar. See at a glance what’s coming up and quickly identify items missed to make sure there are no surprises at your audit. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ![Evidence Store](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/canvas-icon_blue.svg) ### Evidence Store Compliance tasks usually generate evidence. Store all your evidence in the de.iterate platform as you complete each task to ensure stress-free auditing at your next re-certification. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ![Reports & Auditor Portal](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/plane-icon_blue.svg) ### Reports & Auditor Portal Effectively monitor your security program and gain actionable insights with your custom compliance reports. Your auditor can login too  and review all of your controls and evidence. Auditors love de.iterate. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ![Templates & Policies](https://www.sprocketrocket.co/hubfs/sr-assets/stack/Icons/suitcase-icon_blue.svg) ### Templates & Policies Use our library of document and policy templates to save hours of time. Integrate a dynamic privacy policy on your website with our embeddable code that automatically updates to reflect changes in your GRC program. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/features-de.iterate-grc-platform?hsLang=en) ## Multiple compliance frameworks, without extra effort   With de.iterate, the complexity of managing multiple frameworks doesn’t translate into increased workload. Our unified platform serves as a central hub for overseeing all your compliance activities, whether you’re working with bespoke frameworks or seeking to meet the criteria of the most sought-after security and privacy standards and certifications. ISO 27001 ### Information Security Management Systems The international standard that sets out the requirements for data protection systems. It’s all about keeping data safe and secure. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/iso-27001-grc-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) ISO 9001 ### Quality Management Systems This standard defines the requirements for quality management. It’s all about ensuring your business consistently delivers high-quality products and services. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/iso-9001-quality-management-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) ISO 45001 ### Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems The standard that specifies the requirements for an effective OH&S management system. Create a safer, healthier workplace. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/iso-45001-occupational-health-safety-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) ISO 14001 ### Environmental Management Systems The global standard for building EMS. It gives you a structure to identify environmental impacts, manage obligations, strengthen governance. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/iso-14001-environmental-management-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) ISO 42001 ### Artificial Intelligence Management Systems This standard specifies the requirements for managing AI systems responsibly and ethically. It helps ensure trustworthy development and use of AI. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/iso-42001-artificial-intelligence-management-systems-grc-platform?hsLang=en) SOC 2 ### System and Organisation Control 2 This specifies how organisations should manage their customer’s data. It is one of the most sought-after security framework for SaaS companies.  [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/soc-2-grc-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) Privacy Acts ### Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Italy, US and UK Country-specific legislative frameworks established to protect individuals’ personal information from misuse, interference, unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/privacy-act-grc-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) RRFR ### Right Fit for Risk The Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations uses the External Systems Accreditation Framework and the RFFR approach to assess and accredit third party service providers and systems. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/right-fit-for-risk-rffr-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) DISP ### Defence Industry Security Program DISP is a critical initiative that ensures businesses in the defence supply chain meet stringent security requirements. DISP compliance is essential for companies that engage in Defence tenders, contracts and projects. [Learn More](https://deiterate.com/defence-industry-security-program-disp-compliance-platform?hsLang=en) ## Simple pricing, based on the frameworks you need de.iterate pricing is structured around the compliance frameworks you choose to access, giving you the flexibility to build a program that fits your organisation’s needs. Every plan includes access to the de.iterate platform and its feature set, from automated and expert-led onboarding, through to migration support, assurance workflows, live registers, compliance reporting and the core documentation needed to run and maintain your management system with confidence. Starter ### $179/mo - Essential Eight - SMB 1001 - Privacy Acts - DISP [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) Business ### $1,800/mo - ISO 27001 - ISO 27701 - ISO 42001 - ISO 9001 - ISO 45001 - ISO 14001 - SOC 2 - NIST CSF 2.0 - NIST 800-53 - NIST 800-172 - NIST 800-172 - GDPR - Essential Eight - SMB 1001 - Privacy Acts - DISP [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) Enterprise ### $3,500/mo - ISO 27001 - ISO 27701 - ISO 42001 - ISO 9001 - ISO 45001 - ISO 14001 - SOC 2 - NIST CSF 2.0 - NIST 800-53 - NIST 800-171 - NIST 800-172 - GDPR - Essential Eight - SMB 1001 - Privacy Acts - DISP - ISM - SOCI - Right Fit for Risk (RFFR) [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup) Ready for simple, stress-free compliance? Want help from real GRC experts? [Get Started](https://login.deiterate.com/signup)