Application for Suppression of Residential Addresses: Changes and Implications
Updated: Sep 29
Why Address Suppression Matters
Residential addresses, once publicly accessible through ASIC records, have become a privacy concern for many Australians. Victims of harassment or those in vulnerable situations face real dangers when their addresses are easily discoverable.
To address this, ASIC now allows individuals to apply for suppression of their residential address from public corporate and business registers.
What Has Changed?
In the past, suppressed addresses were completely removed from public view. However, this made it difficult for government services and other legitimate entities to verify identities.
Under the revised system:
Your exact address is hidden.
A suburb or locality is listed instead. This strikes a balance between privacy protection and functional transparency.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: If You’re on the Australian Electoral Roll
Complete Form 379: Application for Suppression of Residential Address.
Provide:
Full name, date of birth, place of birth.
Current residential address (to be suppressed).
Substitute public address (e.g. a PO box or business address).
Attach your AEC silent enrolment approval letter.
Step 2: If You’re Not on the Electoral Roll
Submit Form 378: Application to Use an Alternative Address.
Include:
A statutory declaration explaining the risk to your safety.
Payment of the $44 application fee.
Then complete Form 379 (no AEC letter required).
What Happens After Submission?
ASIC Review: ASIC assesses your application based on the evidence provided.
Approval Notification: If accepted, you’ll receive written confirmation and an ASIC approval number. This number is vital for future updates or correspondence.
Protecting Your Privacy Is a Right, Not a Privilege
If your safety is at risk, or you simply want to keep your home address private, applying for suppression with ASIC is a prudent step. At Dolman Bateman, we can help guide you through the process and ensure your privacy is protected.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. All content relates to the current financial year only. Future changes to tax laws, thresholds or administrative requirements may affect the accuracy or relevance of this information, so you should always confirm that the guidance remains current. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making any financial or tax decision.
