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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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.

Can my health service provider waive or discount the cost of providing access if I can`t afford it?

Yes, health service providers can give you access to your health information for free or at a discount.

The Privacy Act doesn't require providers to charge individuals for giving access to their health information. Providing access free of charge, or at a discount, is up to the provider's discretion.

The Privacy Act does allow providers to charge for access, as long as the fee is not excessive (see NPP 6.4). Normally a fee can be charged to recover reasonable costs of providing access, such as resources, time and labour.

I think my doctor has charged me too much to give me access to my medical records. What can I do?