Consumer data rights reforms in Australia are changing how you must handle personal information. It’s no longer just about having a privacy policy or storing files securely; it’s about embedding data governance across your entire operation. Every step must now meet higher standards of accountability, from how you collect information to how it’s accessed, stored, and shared.
You need to treat customer data like any other regulated asset. That means understanding where each piece of personal information came from, why you collected it, who uses it, and where it sits. You risk falling short of even basic compliance requirements without that visibility. Disconnected systems and ad hoc processes can easily lead to inconsistent data use, lost files, or untracked copies, all of which increase your exposure to risk.
There are three steps you can take to keep compliant with new rules:
- Build systems that support speed and accuracy
You must be able to act fast when a customer submits an access or deletion request. This means retrieving every piece of data you hold about them, including emails, scanned forms, documents and files, handwritten records, and more. It becomes difficult to respond quickly or accurately if your systems are fragmented or heavily reliant on manual workarounds.
You can reduce this risk by:
- using role-based access controls so staff only see the data they need
- reviewing permissions regularly to reflect actual usage
- aligning storage systems so information isn’t duplicated across archives or forgotten drives.
- Limit what you keep and monitor your vendors
Holding onto outdated or irrelevant data increases both your storage costs and your exposure to risk. You’ll need systems that can automatically flag stale data, apply retention rules, and honour consent withdrawals to stay compliant. These actions must occur across your entire ecosystem, both internally and externally.
It’s important to remember that you remain responsible for how customer data is managed even when you work with third-party vendors. That means reviewing their access controls, storage policies, and audit capabilities is essential, not optional. Don’t rely solely on contract terms; demand proof of how your data is handled and protected. This approach reduces blind spots that regulators are now actively investigating, especially in third-party risk management.
- Empower your people, not just your policies
Policy alone isn’t enough. You need to equip each team with guidance tailored to how they work with data. For example, a developer faces different risks than a contact centre agent or marketing lead. Role-based training helps close the gap between intention and execution by translating policy into everyday decisions.
Don’t underestimate the role of leadership in driving change, either. You must have a clear view of which systems hold personal information, how those systems talk to each other, and where the biggest risks lie. This level of insight lets you set priorities, allocate resources effectively, and respond quickly during audits or investigations.
Take the lead before you’re forced to
Consumer data rights aren’t going away; they’re expanding. More sectors are being brought into the scope, from banking and energy to telecommunications and beyond. The sooner you take action, the better positioned you’ll be to reduce complexity, avoid penalties, and build customer trust. This includes preparing for new consent requirements, improving access request processes, and gaining visibility across all data systems. Taking practical, coordinated steps now will prepare your business for a future where data transparency and control are competitive advantages, and not just compliance requirements.
To learn how Konica Minolta can help your business adapt to changing consumer data rights, contact our team today.
