Aussie Farms: Privacy Commissioner finalising investigation as map turns two

As Aussie Farms marks two years of its map, the federal government body that appears to be the only authority with the power to shut the map down nears the end of its investigation.

The Aussie Farms map, now labelled the Farm Transparency map, has been active for two years.

THIS week marks two years since the launch of Aussie Farms’ controversial map, pinpointing the details of almost 6000 farms and agriculture businesses.

And after almost 21 months, The Weekly Times can reveal the federal government body that appears to be the only authority with the power to shut the map down is nearing the end of its investigation.

The Federal Government brought Aussie Farms under the Privacy Act, from which it used to be exempt, in April 2019.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner then began making “inquiries” into Aussie Farms’ “collection of personal information” and “notification practices”, before officially commencing an investigation led by Commissioner Angelene Falk in November 2019.

An OAIC spokesman confirmed this week that investigation remained ongoing.

“However, it is nearing finalisation,” the spokesman said.

It is the first time the OAIC has revealed the investigation was anything but active since its launch.

“Commissioner-initiated investigations often involve complex matters and a thorough review of available information,” the spokesman said, when questioned about the lengthy time frame, given the average time to finalise Commissioner-initiated investigations during 2019-20 was 9.9 months.

The Weekly Times has previously revealed if Aussie Farms has breached the Privacy Act, Ms Falk has the power to seek a Federal Court injunction to shut down the Aussie Farms map and determine that farmers on the map are entitled to compensation for loss or damage suffered, which includes injury to an individual’s feelings or humiliation suffered.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said he looked forward to the finalisation of the investigation.

“While the investigation is a matter for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, farmers have the right to go about doing their work of providing the food and fibre for the nation and the world without being targeted animal activist and eco vigilantes,” he said.

Aussie Farms now labels itself the Farm Transparency Project.

Aussie Farms timeline.

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