The extent to which the proposed act or The extent to which the proposed act or practice is inconsistent with an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy

The extent to which the proposed act or practice is inconsistent with an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy

Child abuse and neglect and serious family difficulties remain significant issues for the Australian community. The safety and wellbeing of children is a concern for all levels of government. This is reflected in initiatives such as the Protecting Children is Everyone's Business: National framework for protecting Australia's children (the National Framework) endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in 2009, which is aimed at reducing child abuse and neglect in Australia over time. The National Framework takes the approach that the protection of children is not simply a matter for the statutory child protection systems.

With regard to initiatives such as the National Framework, I consider that the community places a high value on protecting children and young people. Further, there is an expectation across the community that necessary steps will be taken to prevent the circumstances in which child abuse and neglect may arise. Equally, in taking such steps to protect children or young people from serious threats to their life, health or safety, there is an expectation that privacy rights will necessarily give way.

I am satisfied that the proposed act or practice is consistent with an individuals’ reasonable expectation of privacy.