Privacy Act Reforms: What SA Businesses Need to Do Before the Deadline
For almost 50 years, Hood Sweeney has supported South Australian businesses through regulatory change, economic shifts and new ways of working. The upcoming Privacy Act reforms are another moment where organisations will need clear guidance and a practical plan. These changes will reshape how businesses collect, store and use personal information, and they will apply to many organisations that have never been captured before.
The reforms are designed to strengthen protections for individuals and increase accountability for businesses. With higher expectations around data handling and stronger penalties for non‑compliance, the way organisations manage information will need to evolve. This includes not only traditional systems and processes but also the growing use of artificial intelligence across everyday operations.
Across South Australia, businesses are already asking what the reforms mean for them. The answer is straightforward. Any organisation that holds customer, employee or supplier information will need to review its practices. This is not only a compliance requirement. It is a matter of trust, reputation and risk management.
What the reforms will require
While the final legislation is still being refined, several themes are clear.
Businesses will need to understand what information they hold, why they hold it and how long it is retained. They will need stronger processes for gaining consent, responding to data breaches and managing requests from individuals about their information. They will also need to show that personal data is stored securely and accessed only when necessary.
For many organisations, this will mean updating policies, tightening internal processes and improving the way information flows through the business. It may also mean reviewing the technology used across the organisation, including AI‑enabled tools.
The link between privacy and AI adoption
AI is becoming part of everyday business operations. Tools that automate tasks, assist with drafting, analyse data or support decision‑making often rely on information that may fall under the Privacy Act. As AI adoption increases, so does the need for businesses to understand how these tools interact with personal data.
This is where Hood Sweeney’s partnership with Orlo One, our dedicated Technology Services business, becomes important. Orlo One works with clients to implement AI and automation in a way that supports secure data handling, reduces manual processes and strengthens operational resilience. Hood Sweeney ensures the governance and compliance frameworks sit around that technology so businesses can adopt AI with confidence.
Together, we help organisations modernise their workflows while meeting their obligations under the new reforms.
What businesses should do now
The most effective approach is to start early. Businesses can begin by reviewing what information they collect and how it is stored. They can identify gaps in their processes and consider where improvements are needed. They can also assess the technology they use, including AI tools, to ensure they support secure and compliant data handling.
Hood Sweeney and Orlo One work with clients to map information flows, strengthen governance, review technology use and prepare for the new requirements. We help businesses understand what is essential, what is practical and what will reduce risk over time.
A trusted adviser through change
For five decades, Hood Sweeney has helped South Australian organisations navigate change with confidence. The Privacy Act reforms, combined with the rapid adoption of AI, mark a significant shift in how businesses manage information. Preparing now will reduce disruption later and help organisations build stronger foundations for the years ahead.
If you would like support understanding what the reforms mean for your organisation or how to prepare before the deadline, our team is ready to assist.