A spokesperson from the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) said there is currently no direct connection between the Privacy Act and any requirement to encrypt data on laptops used by government employees; however, there is a legal obligation placed on the government under the Privacy Act to protect information relating to individuals or business.

"Government agencies are required to take reasonable steps to protect such information, which may include encrypting information on laptops," the spokesperson said.

"Individual public servants are also obliged to protect information in their keeping, including private and personal information. Agencies should have procedures on what must be done to protect information, but it is the responsibility of the CEO under the Financial Management and Accountability Act."