Site Changes

On 1 November 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and a new website established at www.oaic.gov.au.

Note 1: Major changes to the Privacy Act 1988 will come into effect in March 2014. Agencies, businesses and not for profits need to start preparing for these changes. For more information go to our privacy law reform page at www.oaic.gov.au
Note 2: From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date. For new privacy content visit the www.oaic.gov.au website.

What do I do if I think someone has inappropriately handled my IHI?

If you consider that your personal information has not been handled properly, first contact the healthcare provider. If you are not happy with their response, you can then make a complaint to the OAIC and we may be able to investigation the matter. Call our Enquiries Line on 1300 363 992 or http://www.privacy.gov.au/complaints

The OAIC can investigate complaints against Australian and ACT Government agencies and private sector healthcare providers in relation to IHIs.

Each state and territory has nominated a local regulator to oversee the handling of healthcare identifiers by relevant state or territory bodies (eg public hospitals) and to put these arrangements in place through legislation. However, until that occurs the OAIC has jurisdiction over those bodies in relation to their handling of IHIs.

Persons who inappropriately use or disclose an IHI can be subject to criminal penalties. These penalties can be pursued by the Federal Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions.