Permitted general situations 
From section 16A of the Privacy Act 1988. 
(1)  A permitted general situation exists in relation to the collection, use or disclosure by an APP 
entity of personal information about an individual, or of a government related identifier of an 
individual, if: 
                     (a)  the entity is an entity of a kind specified in an item in column 1 of the table; and 
                     (b)  the item in column 2 of the table applies to the information or identifier; and 
                     (c)  such conditions as are specified in the item in column 3 of the table are satisfied. 
  
Permitted general situations 
Item 
Column 1 
Column 2 
Column 3 
Kind of 
Item applies to  Condition(s) 
entity 
1 APP 
entity (a) 
personal (a) it is unreasonable or impracticable 
information; or 
to obtain the individual’s consent to 
the collection, use or disclosure; and 
(b) a 
government 
(b) the entity reasonably believes that 
related 
the collection, use or disclosure is 
identifier. 
necessary to lessen or prevent a 
serious threat to the life, health or 
safety of any individual, or to public 
health or safety. 
2 APP 
entity (a) 
personal (a) the entity has reason to suspect 
information; or 
that unlawful activity, or misconduct 
of a serious nature, that relates to the 
(b) a 
entity’s functions or activities has 
government 
been, is being or may be engaged in; 
related 
and 
identifier. 
(b) the entity reasonably believes that 
the collection, use or disclosure is 
necessary in order for the entity to 
take appropriate action in relation to 
the matter. 
3 APP 
entity Personal 
(a) the entity reasonably believes that 
information 
the collection, use or disclosure is 
reasonably necessary to assist any 
APP entity, body or person to locate 
a person who has been reported as 
missing; and 
(b) the collection, use or disclosure 
complies with the rules made under 
subsection (2). 
4 APP 
entity Personal 
The collection, use or disclosure is 
information 
reasonably necessary for the 
establishment, exercise or defence of 
a legal or equitable claim. 
5 APP 
entity Personal 
The collection, use or disclosure is 
information 
reasonably necessary for the 
purposes of a confidential alternative 
dispute resolution process. 
6 
Agency 
Personal 
The entity reasonably believes that 

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Permitted general situations 
Permitted general situations 
Item 
Column 1 
Column 2 
Column 3 
Kind of 
Item applies to  Condition(s) 
entity 
information 
the collection, use or disclosure is 
necessary for the entity’s diplomatic 
or consular functions or activities. 
7 Defence  Personal 
The entity reasonably believes that 
Force 
information 
the collection, use or disclosure is 
necessary for any of the following 
occurring outside Australia and the 
external Territories: 
(a) war or warlike operations; 
(b) peacekeeping or peace 
enforcement; 
(c) civil aid, humanitarian assistance, 
medical or civil emergency or disaster 
relief. 
 

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