DWER Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing

The PRIS Act 2024 is WA’s first privacy law, protecting personal information and guiding responsible data sharing. DWER is committed to managing and using data safely and lawfully.
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Overview

The Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) Act 2024 is Western Australia’s first comprehensive privacy law. It protects your personal information and enables responsible information sharing across the public sector.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal and sensitive information it collects, holds, manages, uses, discloses and shares, in accordance with relevant legislation and policies, in the fulfilment of its functions and activities.

This Policy will come into effect 1 July 2026. For more information, visit:

Current Protection

Until the PRIS Act 2024 takes effect on 1 July 2026, DWER operates under the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) within the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) to manage the collection, use, storage, and disposal of personal information.

For more information, visit:

 

  • 1 July 2026: PRIS Act obligations commence
  • 1 January 2027: Mandatory breach notification begins

Key Policies and Documents

Accessibility

We are committed to making our privacy information accessible to everyone. If you need information in another format, please contact us at pris@dwer.wa.gov.au 

Have a question or want to report a problem?

Fill in the form to get assistance or tell us about a problem with this information or service.

Online feedback form 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the PRIS Act?

The Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) Act 2024 is Western Australia’s first comprehensive privacy law. It protects your personal information and enables responsible data sharing across the public sector.

Find out more: PRIS Act

What is Personal Information?

Personal information is any information or opinion about an individual who is identified or reasonably identifiable

Examples include:

  • Name, address, email address
  • Photographs
  • Financial details
  • Sensitive information (e.g. health, union membership, political opinions)
  • Any data that could identify you, even if names are removed

Find out more at  What is personal information? | OAIC and Privacy in Western Australia

What are my privacy rights?

  • Access and correction: You can request access to your personal information or ask for corrections.
  • Complaints: If you believe your privacy has been breached, you can submit a complaint.
  • Transparency: We will explain why we collect your information and how it will be used.

To access or update your personal information, apply using the DWER Freedom of Information Form noting the requirement for certified documents to accompany your application.  Use this  online feedback form to make a complaint. Read more about your privacy rights. 

How does DWER use and share Information?

  • We only collect what is necessary for our work.
  • Information is used for the purpose it was collected, unless you consent to another use or it is required by law.
  • We share information responsibly, following the PRIS Act’s Responsible Sharing Principles 
  • The use and sharing of personal information is outlined in the DWER Collection notice guideline

What happens in the case of a privacy breach?

If a privacy breach occurs, we will follow the PRIS Act’s breach notification process, which may include notifying affected individuals and the Information Commissioner, depending on severity (from 1 January 2027).

The privacy breach response process is outlined in the DWER Information Breach policy.

How do I make a privacy complaint or provide feedback?

If you have a privacy question, concern or wish to make a complaint:

We will respond as quickly as possible and keep you informed throughout the process.

Have a question or want to report a problem?

Fill in the form to get assistance or tell us about a problem with this information or service.

Send feedback