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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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

A-Z

Media Releases

Announcement: Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes amended case note 4 for 2004

27/05/04 The Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim has today re-published case note 4 regarding disclosure of personal information within a Commonwealth Government agency. InX v Commonwealth Agency [2004] PrivCmrA 4, the complainant alleged that the agencys employee disclosed to the complainants ex-partner that the com...

Announcement: Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Publishes New Case Notes

23/6/04 Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim today released nine new case notes. "Issuing case notes like these is one of a number of measures the Office continues to develop to assist people in understanding how both the Privacy Act and the Office operate. These case notes provide important guidance about what the Commiss...

Announcement: Bundled consents and the Privacy Act

23 May 2002 "Bundled consents are not good privacy or business practices and are totally contrary to the spirit of the Privacy Act", said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "Consent for the collection, use and disclosure of ones personal information should always be given freely and voluntarily. It should not be conditi...

Announcement: Commissioner encourages individuals to enter international privacy paper writing competition

19/03/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton is urging individuals interested in privacy to submit a paper about privacy to an international competition that will earn the winner(s) $US 3,000 cash and the opportunity to present the paper at the 26th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners. "...

Announcement: Entries to the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award are now being sought

13 May 2005 Individuals interested in privacy may wish to submit a paper to the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award about privacy. Award winner(s) will receive $US 3,000 in cash and the opportunity to present the paper to an international privacy conference in 2006. As part of the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award, a stipend of up to $US 2,000...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case note 3 for 2004

24/03/04 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case note 3 regarding the disclosure of personal information, between financial institutions, collected prior to commencement of the National Privacy Principles. In H v Financial Institution A and B [2004] PrivCmrA 3 the complainant alleged that there ha...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 7, 2005

25 February 2005 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 1 to 7 regarding excessive charges for access to records, a disputed credit file listing, inappropriate disclosure of personal information and a failure to appropriately secure documents when in transit. In A v Insurer [2005] Pri...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 and 2 for 2004

16/1/04The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case notes 1 and 2 regarding the use of personal information by an insurance company and a large retail outlet. In N v Private Insurer [2004] PrivCmrA 1 the complainant raised concerns that an organisation had unnecessarily collected personal information durin...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 10 and 11

22/9/03 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case notes 10 and 11 regarding the use of personal information by Commonwealth agencies. In L v Commonwealth Agency [2003] PrivCmrA 10, the complainant raised concerns relating to the security of his personal information held by the agency. The complaina...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 16 - 19, 2004

The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 16 to 19 regarding collection of personal information, a default listing on consumer credit file and the use of personal information for direct marketing. In Z v Credit Provider [2004] PrivCmrA 16 the complainant attended a bank branch and presented a cheque marked...

Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes latest case notes

30/6/03 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released five privacy complaint case notes that deal mainly with consumer credit reporting issues. In G v Credit Provider [2003] PrivCmrA 5, the complainant disputed a default that was listed on their credit file. As a result of investigations by the Office, the...

Announcement: Formal Investigation into Federal Government Web Site Commenced

12 June 2002 "We are aware of allegations that a federal government web site*, designed for young people, may have spammed users as part of two competitions it was running. I have commenced a formal investigation into the matter to determine if the Privacy Act has been breached," said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner....

Announcement: Inquiry into Residential Tenancy Databases

19/11/2003 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has welcomed the release of an Issues Paper on the operation of Residential Tenancy Databases in Australia. Residential Tenancy Databases (RTDs) are privately owned, electronic databases that collect information on tenants to assist property managers and landlords assess ri...

Announcement: Privacy Act and Employee Records Exemption

21 May 2002 The Privacy Act contains an exemption for some employee records, on the grounds that such matters are covered by workplace relations law and practice. However, this exemption is limited to acts and practices directly related to current and former employment relationships. It is not clear that the mooted confidentiality c...

Announcement: Privacy and Passport Initiatives

21 May 2002 "As with most technology, the use of a biometric identifier on a passport is not inherently privacy invasive. Its the implementation of the biometric identifier that will determine if it is privacy enhancing or invasive," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Biometrics are powerful tools that also can go...

Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 8 to 18

29 June 2005 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 8 to 18 regarding personal information handled by credit providers, insurance providers, employment agencies, a telecommunications service provider, an internet service provider and federal government agencies. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case...

Announcement: Public prayers and the Privacy Act

10 May 2002 Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim said" the Privacy Act is about organisations working within peoples expectations of what will happen with their personal information." "Many of the current practices in relation to public prayers or printing of personal information in church newsletters will be within peoples...

Announcement: Resolution on improving the communication of data protection and privacy information practices

25th International Conference of Data Protection & Privacy Commissioners Sydney, 12 September 2003 This resolution was adopted on Friday 12 September 2003 Proposer: Privacy Commissioner, Australia Co-sponsors: Commissioner for Data Protection and Access to Information, Brandenberg, Germany; Commission National...

Announcement: Review of Credit Reporting Determinations

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is currently reviewing its Credit Provider Determinations. The Office has prepared Consultation Papers to assist individuals and organisations to prepare comments for the review. Assignees and Classes of Credit Provider Consultation Paper No. 1 discusses: Credit Provider Determination...

Announcement: Review of the Medicare and PBS Privacy Guidelines issued under section 135AA of the National Health Act 1953

The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is asking organisations, agencies and individuals to give their views about the operation of the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Programs Privacy Guidelines. All interested parties are invited to make submissions to the review. Background The Privacy Guidelines apply to the handling of i...

Announcement: Transurban privacy review completed

24 May 2002 "From the evidence available, it appears that the activities of an ex-employee of Transurban resulted in the disclosure of customer information to people outside of the organisation," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "As a result of the disclosure, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner conducted a review of T...

Announcements: Privacy and the NOIE Spam Report

16 April 2003 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has welcomed the release of the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) Final report of the NOIE review of the spam problem and how it can be countered. "The NOIE Report proposes some good solutions that will help reduce the spam problem," Mr Crompton said. "Spam poses a...

Asia Pacific Privacy Commissioners join together to fight identity theft

3 May 10 A new free online tool to help people protect themselves against identity theft has been launched as part of Privacy Awareness Week 2010.

Australian Information Commissioner Designate welcomes new Privacy Commissioner

22 July 10 Australian Information Commissioner Designate, Professor John McMillan, today welcomed the appointment of Mr Timothy Pilgrim as Australia’s Privacy Commissioner.

Australian Privacy Commissioner obtains privacy undertakings from Google

9 July 10 Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has concluded her investigation into Google's collection of unsecured WiFi payload data in Australia using Street View vehicles.

Australian privacy efforts acknowledged internationally

09 Feb 10 In recent weeks both the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and leading privacy lawmaker Michael Kirby have been acknowledged internationally for their work.

Australians encouraged to mobilise their mobile phone privacy

5 May 10 Three Federal Government agencies have joined together to encourage Australians to think about privacy and security when using their mobile phones.

Customs receives privacy award for Australia-EU airline agreement

12 Nov 09 The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service was named tonight as the winner of the Symantec Government category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009 for its Australian-European Union Passenger Name Record Agreement.

FlyBuys' privacy protections recognised in Privacy Awards

12 Nov 09 The parent company of the FlyBuys shopping rewards system, Loyalty Pacific, was named tonight as the winner of the Small-Medium Business category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.

Last chance to nominate for Australian Privacy Awards

9 July 2009 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and government agencies to enter the Australian Privacy Awards before the nomination period closes on 6 August. "We want to recognise businesses, community organisations and agencies for g...

Leading privacy advocate receives prestigious award for achievement

12 Nov 09 Dr Roger Clarke, a leading privacy consultant, academic and advocate, was tonight announced as the winner of the Australian Privacy Medal 2009.

Major health insurer awarded for privacy training program

12 Nov 09 The health insurance giant, Australian Health Management, was named tonight as the winner of the Large Business category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.

Market research industry recognised for privacy code

12 Nov 09 The Association of Market and Social Research Organisations was named tonight as the winner of the Community and NGO category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009 for its industry privacy code.

Media Announcement: appointment of new Privacy Advisory Committee member

6/11/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, has today welcomed the appointment by the Governor-General of Robin Banks to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC). ''Robin brings a wealth of experience, particular from the community sector, and I have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to the PAC'' said Ms C...

Media Announcement: Commissioner renews two credit provider determinations

31 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today announced the renewal of two credit provider determinations. There is no change in the terms of either of the determinations and both will be effective for five years. "I believe these Determinations appropriately balance the protection of individuals privacy with the needs...

Media Announcement: Commissioners jointly promote Privacy Awareness Week

28 August 2006 Australian Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, announces the launch of Privacy Awareness Week (27 August to 2 September 2006). "My Office along with Privacy NSW, Privacy Victoria and the Northern Territory Information Commissioner are jointly promoting Privacy Awareness Week," said Ms Curtis. "It is the first tim...

Media Announcement: Cross-Tasman initiative to promote privacy protection

19/09/06 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, and the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, today announced the signing of an agreement which will allow for cooperation between their offices on privacy-related issues. "The agreement will cement the already close ties between our Offices in tackling emerging privacy chall...

Media Announcement: Government's response to private sector review is a positive step for privacy, says Privacy Commissioner

30/11/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today welcomed the Governments response to her report, "Getting in on the Act: The Review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act 1988". "In its response, the Government has either accepted, noted or referred to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) for further discussion,...

Media Announcement: launch of the Australian Privacy Commissioner's Newsletter

As part of its efforts in raising privacy awareness and compliance among organisations and agencies, the Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, today announced the launch of a new electronic publication - Privacy Matters. ''My Office is committed to encouraging best practice in privacy and Privacy Matters will form an integral component of th...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on draft Access Card legislation

22/1/07 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the exposure draft of the legislation governing the health and social services access card and accompanying system. "The legislation presents an opportunity to prescribe the purpose, functions and practical operation of the access card and has the potential to offer Austra...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on the health and welfare access card system

27 April 2006"I believe that the potential benefits the access card could bring to health and welfare service delivery can be achieved while respecting the privacy rights of individuals," said Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis. "However, for this to occur it is essential that appropriate privacy protections are built in early, particularly into...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on the Second Exposure Draft of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill

24 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made a submission to the Attorney-General''s Department on the second exposure draft of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill 2006. ''While recognising the potential benefits to the community of measures to address money-laundering and terrorism financing,...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner investigates Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions

17/08/05Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis has opened investigations into Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions following allegations raised in the ABCs Four Corners story, Your Money and Your Life, regarding possible breaches of the Privacy Act. "My Office has contacted Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions and will investigate whether Switch M...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 7 for 2007

25 May 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released seven new case notes covering a range of different privacy issues and topics: A v Licensed Club [2007] PrivCmrA 1 relates to the disclosure of personal information by a licensed club resulting in the harassment of the individuals concerned. B v Surgeon [...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 10 - 14 for 2006

26 June 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released five case notes regarding personal information handled by tenancy database companies, health service providers and a utility provider. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered to be of interest to the general public. Not...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 15 - 18 for 2006

30 June 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released four case notes regarding personal information handled by an electrical goods retailer, a financial institution, a medical equipment supplier and a telecommunications provider. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 19 - 22 for 2006

30 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today released four case notes relating to personal information handled by a law firm, banking institution, health service provider and a credit provider: T v Law Firm [2006] PrivCmrA 19, involved a law firm that was handling two separate insurance-related cases relat...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 5 - 9 for 2006

28 April 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released five case notes regarding personal information handled by a money transfer service, a taxation accountant, a chartered accountant, a retail company, and a utility company and industry group. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are consi...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 8 - 20 for 2007

29 June 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released 13 new case notes covering a range of different privacy issues and topics: F v Insurance Company [2007] PrivCmrA 8 relates to the collection and disclosure of personal information during an insurance claim. G v Law Firm [2007] PrivC...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner releases privacy audit reports

30 June 2006 The Privacy Act provides for the Commissioner to undertake audits to assess and improve compliance with the Privacy Act on the part of Australian and ACT government agencies, credit reporting agencies, credit providers and tax file number recipients. The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has decided to publish the finalised...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner Releases Review Report for Medicare and PBS Privacy Guidelines

1 August 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released the report of her Offices Review of the Privacy Guidelines for the Handling of Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims information. The Guidelines are issued under section 135AA of the National Health Act 1953, and it is a function of the Privacy Commissioner to m...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner responds to Access Card Taskforce Paper

25/08/2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has recommended a range of privacy safeguards be developed for the proposed health and social services access card. These recommendations have been made in her submission to the first Discussion Paper released by the Access Card Consumer and Privacy Taskforce. ''There is a need to ensure t...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner supports ID theft awareness campaign

26 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has voiced her support for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforces campaign, "Scams target you - protect yourself", and its "protect your identity" theme. "ID theft is a growing phenomenon and people need to take steps to safeguard their personal information," Ms Curtis said. Ms...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner welcomes additional resources

10 May 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, welcomed the Governments announcement in the Budget that her Office would receive an increase in funding of approximately $8.1m over four years. "This increase in resources will allow my Office to be further involved in key issues impacting on the privacy of the community", said th...

Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner Welcomes Do Not Call Register

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner today released its submission to the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References and Legislation Committee Inquiry into the provisions of the Do Not Call Register Bill 2006. "I welcome the Australian Government''s introduction of a National Do Not Ca...

Media Announcement: Release of Privacy Impact Assessment Guide and Layered Privacy Policy

29/8/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today announced the release of two new documents: the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Guide and a new Privacy Policy for her Office. "These two documents will undoubtedly play an important role in assisting agencies and organisations in further developing their privacy systems and proc...

Media Announcement: Renewal of credit provider determination

31 October 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today announced the renewal of the credit provider determination concerning Indigenous Business Australia (the IBA Determination). There is no change in the terms of the determination and it will be effective for five years. ''I believe the IBA Determination...

Media Announcement: Submission to Privacy Task Force on Proposal for optional health and emergency information

26 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has released a submission made in response to the second discussion paper released by the Minister for Human Services Consumer and Privacy Taskforce. This discussion paper concerns the proposals for Optional Health and Emergency Information to be stored on the Access Card. The submissio...

Media Release: "Privacy Awareness Week is a good opportunity to review your privacy practices," says Privacy Commissioner

31 July 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for businesses, organisations and government agencies to focus on privacy during Privacy Awareness Week, 24-30 August 2008. "Privacy Awareness Week is an opportune time to review your practices and procedures for handling personal information,...

Media Release: 'Privacy is your business' theme for Asia-Pacific Privacy Awareness Week 2007

21/8/2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for government agencies and business to participate in Privacy Awareness Week from 26 August to 1 September 2007. "Privacy is everyones concern, but often we dont think about it until its gone," Ms Curtis said. "Privacy Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all, both as in...

Media Release: 65,000 One.Tel debtor default listings dropped from credit records because of inaccuracy

23/8/04 One.Tel in Liquidation has had 65,000 customer default listings dropped from credit records after the Office of the Privacy Commissioner found that the failed telecommunications company did not have systems in place to update customer credit default listings once a debt had been paid. "Inaccurate credit records can sto...

Media Release: A New Era for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Media Release 30/6/2000 A New Era for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner The Office of the Privacy Commissioner will separate from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) from 1 July 2000. A member of HREOC since 1989, the separation of the privacy office will provide an opportunity to build on the hu...

Media Release: A privacy first as Federal Court stops privacy breach

27/5/04 In a first for Australia, an organisation has successfully used section 98 of the federal Privacy Act to ask the Federal Court to stop an alleged privacy breach. "The Office will take a look at the decision handed down on 21 May 2004 by Justice Gyles, in the case of Seven Network (Operations) Limited v Media Entertainment an...

Media Release: Access Card Bill makes progress in promoting privacy, says Privacy Commissioner

22/08/2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has acknowledged the progress made with the second public exposure draft of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007, in advancing privacy protections for the Governments proposed Access Card. "While there are still a number of steps that can be taken to enhance the Access...

Media Release: Access Card consultations will allow remaining privacy concerns to be aired, says Privacy Commissioner

21st June 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release of the second exposure draft for the Access Card legislation [accesscard.gov.au] and the consultation process. "Extensive consultation regarding the proposed Access Card legislation will allow the Cards privacy safeguards to be thoroughly examined," Ms C...

Media Release: Access to Publicly Available Information

4 September 2002 "The Privacy Act does not prevent organisations from using the white pages or other public sources of information, rather it is intended to make the collection more transparent to the community at large", said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Privacy Commissioner in response to a press release put out by the Fundraising Institute A...

Media Release: ALRC report - a valuable contribution to privacy law reform, says Privacy Commissioner

11 August 2008 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release of the final report of the privacy law review undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission over the past two years. "The report is a valuable contribution to assist the Government develop its approach to the reform of Australias privacy reg...

Media Release: ALRC Review Paper is an important step, says Privacy Commissioner

12 September 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release today of the Australian Law Reform Commissions Discussion Paper as part of its review of privacy law in Australia. ''The ALRC review is an important process for ensuring that Australians continue to receive a high level of privacy protection in coming...

Media Release: Amend Privacy Act to address security breaches, biometrics and data-matching, says Privacy Commissioner

8 March 2007 While noting that the Privacy Act has generally worked well, the Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has recommended to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) that changes to the Privacy Act may be necessary to reflect technological developments. "New technologies can offer immense benefits but we need strong protections...

Media Release: Australia & New Zealand - privacy regulators sign agreement

29 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, and the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, have announced the extension of an agreement between their offices. "The privacy challenges we face in Australia are not unique," Ms Curtis said. "There are significant...

Media Release: Australians exercise privacy choice

20 June 2002 "Its clear Australians have made an active decision about their privacy when choosing whether they wanted to be involved in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Centenary of Federation Time Capsule Project," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "The Federal Privacy Act is about putting people in co...

Media Release: Australians to deal with government securely online (PKI issues)

12/6/2001 "There are significant privacy issues for government agencies to address in implementing Public Key Infrastructures", said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Privacy Commissioner as he issued the Offices consultation paper "Privacy Issues in the Use of Public Key Infrastructure for Individuals" for public comment. The Office has wor...

Media Release: Better e-security is key to enhanced privacy

6 June 2008 Marking the beginning of National E-security Awareness Week, 6-13 June 2008, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has urged both organisations and the public to take extra care to safeguard their information on computer systems: "Many of the privacy breaches that my Office is aware of occurred not only because of...

Media Release: Building a Culture that Respects Privacy: new private sector privacy

6 December 2000 The newly strengthened Privacy Act delivers a clear message to private sector organisations that its time to adopt practices that protect the personal information of Australians, Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton said today. "The Privacy Act will give Australians greater control over the use of their personal...

Media Release: Businesses urged to review privacy practices

25 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on business owners and operators to review their privacy practices during Privacy Awareness Week, 24-30 August 2008. "Privacy is not simply a legal obligation; it helps build trust in your business among your customers and stakehol...

Media Release: Case Notes Shed Light on Financial Information Handling

26 March 2003 "Most businesses are keen to do the right thing when we begin to investigate allegations of privacy breaches by them," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. The Commissioners comments came during the release of case notes that summarise his investigations into two privacy complaints involving peoples financ...

Media Release: Child Support Agency takes out Privacy Award

27 August 2008 The Child Support Agency was named tonight as the winner of the Symantec Government Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. ''Given the sensitivities involved in handling cases where a relationship has broken down, respecting the privacy of each partner, and of the child, is paramount,''...

Media Release: Commissioner revokes General Insurance Information Privacy Code

1 February 2006 Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis, has signed an instrument which will revoke the General Insurance Information Privacy Code effective on 30 April 2006. "The privacy protection given to personal information held by general insurance companies is not weakened by the revocation of this code," said Ms Curtis....

Media Release: Commissioner seeks views about the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act

27 October 2004 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is asking organisations and individuals to give their views about the operation of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act, that came into effect on 21 December 2001. To assist interested parties in making comments about the provisions, the Commissioner today released an...

Media Release: Commissioner to speak about his 5 years as federal privacy regulator

16/3/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, will deliver three key speeches in March (in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra) before he leaves his role as Australias national privacy regulator. SYDNEY: 30/3/04 Speech title:Proof of Identity required? Getting identity management right In his Sydney speech, the Commissioner will exp...

Media Release: Company Director's Guide to Enhance Privacy

7/5/04 "The company directors guide to privacy, launched today, will assist directors to oversee the implementation of efficient and responsible privacy procedures that have the potential to enhance customer trust and loyalty," said Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim. "A Guide for Directors - Privacy and Boards: Wha...

Media Release: Consumers rush Commissioner's hotline

20 June 2002 "Consumers are signalling to businesses that privacy is important and needs to be respected as they have rushed to call my Offices hotline during the first six months of the implementation of changes to the Federal Privacy Act," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Since 21 December 2001, when changes t...

Media Release: Credit Determinations

February 24 2003 The Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, today announced the gazettal of the Privacy Commissioner''s credit determination: Determination 2003 No 1 Privacy Act 1988, s.11B(1)(b)(v)(B) - Concerning Classes of Credit Providers This determination will be in effect for three years. "There is no change in...

Media Release: Defending your privacy

December 19 2002 "Australians privacy rights are about to be extended to include personal information held by small businesses that trade in personal information, do contract work for commonwealth government or are related to a business with a turn over of $3 million or more," said Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton. "On...

Media Release: Dental Association rewarded for good privacy

27 August 2008 The Australian Dental Association, NSW Branch, was named tonight as the winner of the Community and NGO Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "When people go to the dentist, or any health service provider, they expect their personal information to be safeguarded by the dentist and sta...

Media Release: Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner concludes Harts Investigation

12/2/2001 The Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Mr Timothy Pilgrim, today announced the results of his investigation into the disclosure of personal information by Harts Australasia. "I have concluded my investigation and found that Harts did breach the Privacy Act," said Mr Pilgrim. "I am pleased to advise that, by way of resolution...

Media Release: Direct marketer wins Small Business Privacy Award

27 August 2008 Data Solutions Australia, a small business providing mailing and telemarketing data for direct marketing, was named tonight as the winner of the Microsoft Small-Medium Business Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "This Award shows that businesses in all sectors - including direct marketers...

Media Release: Do Not Call Register is an important step, says Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the launch of the Do Not Call Register by Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. "People value their privacy at home and unwanted telemarketing calls are a nuisance," Ms Curtis said. "The Do Not Call Register is an important st...

Media Release: Doctors can continue to collect information from patients about relatives, says Privacy Commissioner

13 December 2007 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made two ''Public Interest Determinations'' to continue to allow health service providers to collect health information from patients about their family medical history without seeking the family members'' consent. The information can only be collected where relevant to the pat...

Media Release: Don't miss the chance to be recognised for good privacy practices

5 June 2008 Privacy Awards close on 9 July The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and government agencies to enter the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008 before the nomination period closes on 9 July. "No-matter what size your organisation is or the scale of your priv...

Media Release: E-health privacy blueprint - robust legislation is needed says Privacy Commissioner

15 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for legislation for the proposed national Individual Electronic Health Records (IEHR) system. "The National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) has identified some valuable privacy considerations for the proposed IEHR...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner and Taxation Office agree on outcomes of further discussions on ABN

Media Release 8/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner and Taxation Office agree on outcomes of further discussions on ABN Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said, said "following further discussions with Taxation officials, yesterday, I am satisfied that the undertakings given to me adequately address my concerns regarding the disclosu...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner approves Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code

9 August 2002 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has approved the Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code, making it the second private sector privacy code approved in Australia by the Commissioner following an extension of his powers on 21 December 2001. "The development of the privacy code by Clubs Queensland demonstrates its commitme...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Comments on Privacy and the Media

20/10/1999 It is clear from recent articles and editorials that the Australian media are uncomfortable with the Federal Governments proposal to extend privacy legislation to the private sector and that they see it as a potential blocker to free speech and freedom of the media. It is important that we all have a measure of control ov...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Concludes Investigations into AEC

Media Release 5/7/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner Concludes Investigations into AEC Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has concluded his investigation into the Australian Electoral Commissions (AEC) disclosure of elector data to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The Federal Privacy Commissioner found that there was no legal b...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner farewells NSW Privacy Commissioner

16 may 2003 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today acknowledged the contribution made by Chris Puplick as New South Wales Privacy Commissioner. Mr Puplick is resigning as NSW Privacy Commissioner today. "Mr Puplick has worked hard to help build privacy protections for NSW citizens, and has made significant contributions...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner issues Guidelines for Federal and ACT Government World Wide Websites

13/5/1999 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today released Guidelines for Federal and ACT Government World Wide Websites. Mr Crompton said "the Guidelines will help Government agency websites achieve worlds best practice in relation to on-line privacy protection." "The Guidelines are designed to help Federal and ACT G...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner negotiates change in the debt collection practices of Alliance Factoring

4/07/2003 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, announced today that following discussions between his Office and Alliance Factoring that the company has agreed to change its debt collection practices. From now on, people who receive letters of demand from Alliance Factoring, requesting payment of an outstanding debt, will...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner notes Federal Attorney-General's media release

Media Release 8/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner notes Federal Attorney-Generals media release regarding use of electoral roll by Commonwealth Government agencies Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said, "I note that the Federal Attorney-General has issued a media release, today, regarding the use of the electoral...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Research

2/5/2001 â€¦the part that I dont like is that you dont know who has got the information and what they are doing with that information or who they are passing it onto. I think my information shouldnt go any further than the company I give it toâ€¦ Respondent to OFPC research"Australians care deeply about their privacy" said the Federal Pr...

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