Media Release: School Student Reports

20 February 2002 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, comments on inaccurate media reports that private school students can stop schools from releasing their school reports to their parents. The Commissioner said "in most cases, it is reasonable for schools to release school reports to parents. Information on a...

Media Release: Seeking comment on first Privacy Act determination for private sector

24 June 2002 "As I promised in February this year, my Office is working to ensure that taking family medical histories as a part of providing health care is permitted under the Privacy Act 1988" said Mr Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "To that end, I am inviting public comment on ACHA Healths application for a Public Interest Deter...

Media Release: Sickie web site not cleared by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner

30/8/2001 "Reports, earlier today, that my Office has cleared the privacy practices of Wayne and Dianas Employment Web Site are incorrect. My Office has not cleared the web site," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Changes to the federal Privacy Act that extends its coverage to private sector organisations come into force on 21 Dec...

Media Release: Spam and privacy - new guidance issued

26 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today released new guidanceto assist organisations who seek to engage in electronic marketing. "The Privacy and Spam Acts provide Australians with protections against receiving unsolicited emails, and it is in business best interests...

Media Release: Students encouraged to participate in international privacy competition

30 April 2007 The Privacy Commissioners of Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria today launched an international privacy competition and have encouraged secondary school students to enter. Prizes include a laptop computer and gift vouchers. ''Our Offices have chosen to target s...

Media Release: Telstra Database Mistake

12 August 2002 Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim made the following announcement on 12 August 2002: "Telstras publishing of the silent numbers of some of their customers is a serious privacy issue, particularly for those people who have requested a silent number for security reasons. "While I welcome Telstras early a...

Media Release: Telstra wins Large Business Privacy Award

27 August 2008 Telstra Corporation was named tonight as the winner of the Large Business Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "The telecommunications sector is probably one of the most demanding when it comes to privacy protections, particularly given rapid technological developments, and the use...

Media Release: Tenancy database operator breaches the Privacy Act

19/4/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has issued four complaint determinations that enhance tenants privacy rights by ensuring that records about their tenancy history are accurate, up to date and can be accessed for a reasonable fee. "Having a home is a very fundamental right and therefore its very important that all ten...

Media Release: The Source web site privacy investigation concluded

29 November 2002 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has concluded an investigation into The Source web site finding that the Privacy Act was breached by the Department of Family and Community Services, which manages the site. The breaches have now been adequately addressed by the Department and measures are now in place to prevent simi...

Media Release: The winners of the Australian Privacy Awards & Medal 2008

27 August 2008 Businesses, NGOs and government agencies featured among the winners of the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards and the Australian Privacy Medal at a gala dinner held in Sydney tonight. "The Awards and the Medal are the first of their kind in the world," said Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Commissioner. "They a...

Media Release: Ticketmaster7 privacy errors highlight industry wide problem

12/2/04 "I am disappointed that businesses, covered by the Privacy Act for over 2 years, are still making fundamental errors," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Some businesses have continued to run web sites that allow anybody to view other customers personal information by changing numbers in the URL (web site...

Media Release: Timothy Pilgrim appointed as Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner

19/4/04 Malcolm Crompton today welcomed the appointment by the Government of an Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner pending the appointment of a new Commissioner. From 20 April, Timothy Pilgrim will commence as Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner. He is currently the Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner. Mr Crompton completes...

Media Release: We must get identification management right to avoid losing our privacy

31/3/04 "Identity management is the topic that government and business need to get right if we are all to live in a free, open and safe society," said Malcolm Crompton, Federal privacy Commissioner. "The time is right to have an open debate about identity management." "This is particularly urgent because there are currently a very larg...

Media Release: What young adults always wanted to know about privacy, but were too afraid to ask

04 May 2009 Speaking today at the launch of her Offices new magazine-style publication for young adults, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, said that not enough 18-24 year olds know about their privacy rights under Australian law. "From online social networking to getting your ID scanned at clubs, you...

Media Release: World's Privacy Regulators call for privacy friendly RFID tags

9/12/03 "Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have great potential. They can help companies greatly improve the way they manage the supply of their products and so save consumers a lot of money. But they also have equal potential to invade personal privacy if deployed wrongly." The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, m...

Media Statement: Calls to electors outside the jurisdiction of the Privacy Act

30 March 2005 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today advised that she will not be investigating the complaint about the telemarketing activities of the Liberal Party of Australia, which was referred to her by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) on 21 March 2005. "I have examined the information provided to me by the A...

Media Statement: Commissioner clarifies media inaccuracies that doctors are selling patient information to drug companies

26 May 2005 "Recent media reports about the Offices investigations into information flows between doctors and the Health Communications Network Limited (HCN) and CAMM Pacific are inaccurate and may have led to confusion among consumers," said Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis. "It is important that people know that I have not approved...

Media Statement: New Privacy Advisory Committee members appointed

2 March 2005 "I welcome the Attorney-Generals announcement that three new members have been appointed to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC) by the Governor-General. I look forward to working with them", said Federal Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis. "The PAC provides strategic advice on privacy from a broad range of perspectives. Community,...

Media Statement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 4 for 2006

1 March 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released four case notes regarding personal information handled by a credit provider, a banking institution, insurance company and an Australian Government agency. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered to be of interest...

Media Statement: Privacy Commissioner renewed two Credit Provider Determinations

27 February 2006 The Privacy Commissioner has renewed two credit provider Determinations for approximately six months while her Office conducts public consultations. The first Determination " concerning assignees " facilitates credit reporting where a debt is assigned from one business to another. The second Determination " concerni...

New Privacy Commissioner ready to respond to privacy challenges

22 July 10  Australia’s new Privacy Commissioner, Mr Timothy Pilgrim, today said that he looks forward to the challenges and opportunities presented by his new role.

New privacy guidelines for health practitioners on disclosing genetic information

15 Dec 09 JOINT MEDIA RELEASE of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the National Health and Medical Research Council

Privacy as an afterthought could lead to breaches, Privacy Commissioner tells organisations

6 May 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on organisations to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments when looking to develop new products, services, projects or systems.

Privacy Commissioner issues Temporary Public Interest Determination for research relating to international students

7 May 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has issued a Temporary Public Interest Determination (TPID) to allow the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to disclose a limited set of specific personal information about current and former student visa holders to all police jurisdictions and the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).

Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 8 for 2010

6 May 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has published eight new case notes for 2010.

Privacy Commissioner tells organisations: Publicise your Privacy!

25 March 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for businesses and government agencies across the country to publicise their commitment to good privacy practices in the lead up to Privacy Awareness Week, 2-8 May 2010.

Privacy Commissioner tells pubs and clubs: Don't scan IDs unless you know your privacy obligations

4 May 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has told pubs and clubs to familiarise themselves with their legal obligations when looking to collect patrons' identity information.

Privacy Commissioner to advise DHS on service delivery reform

16 Dec 09 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has announced that her Office will be working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help ensure that its service delivery reform incorporates privacy safeguards.

Privacy Commissioner urges all Australians: Take privacy into your own hands

30 April 10  As Privacy Awareness Week (2-8 May) commences for 2010, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is calling on all Australians to take practical steps to protect their privacy.

Privacy Commissioner welcomes National Cyber Security Awareness Week

7 June 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis today welcomed National Cyber Security Awareness Week as an opportunity to partner with the Australian Government in promoting smart online practices.

Privacy Commissioner welcomes response to privacy inquiry

14 Oct 09 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the Government's release today of its first stage response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of privacy law.

Privacy Commissioner welcomes step towards nationally consistent privacy laws

25 June 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis today welcomed the release of an exposure draft of new Australian Privacy Principles and their referral to a Senate Committee for inquiry and report.

Privacy Commissioner: The Privacy Act is not a barrier in an emergency or disaster

6 May 10  The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has today released an information sheet that will help agencies and organisations better understand how to handle personal information during declared emergencies and disasters.

Victorian agency receives top privacy gong for blog, training, and awareness campaign

12 Nov 09 The Victorian Department of Justice was named tonight as the Grand Award winner of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.

Winners of the Australian Privacy Awards and Medal 2009

12 Nov 09 The winners of the Australian Privacy Awards and Medal 2009 have been announced

Privacy Matters Autumn Newsletter 2007

pdf (1.43 MB)

Commissioners Message Is Privacy Passé? - the ALRC Privacy Review ALRC Privacy Review - Credit Reporting Provisions New response timeframes Privacy Connections forums Comings and Goings Do Not Call Register APPA Privacy Competition Office bids adieu to Chris Cowper Diary Notes...

Privacy Matters Autumn Newsletter 2008

pdf (1.4 MB)

Commissioners Message Minister Launches Privacy Awards Privacy Guidelines for the Medicare Benefits and Pharmaceutical Benefits Programs Reappointment of Privacy Advisory Committee Members Data Breach Notification Guide Complaint Snapshots Automatic Number Plate Recognition Formation of Privacy Au...

Privacy Matters Autumn Newsletter 2009

pdf (2.55 MB)

Privacy Matters Autumn Newsletter 2010

pdf (464.8 KB)

Privacy Matters Spring Newsletter 2006

pdf (142.04 KB)

Privacy Matters Spring Newsletter 2007

pdf (392.78 KB)

Commissioners Message International Privacy Commissioners Conference APEC Update Privacy Awareness Week 2007 Privacy Contact Officers Network We need your help! Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Complaints Snapshots Law Reform Commissions Privacy Work Update......

Privacy Matters Spring Newsletter 2008

pdf (673.02 KB)

Commissioners Message Complaints in 2007-2008: trends and outcomes Update on Response to ALRC Report on Privacy NSW Law Reform Commission Review Update 30th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners 30th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum The Role of Evidence in the Complaint Investig...

Privacy Matters Spring Newsletter 2009

pdf (1.01 MB)

Privacy Matters Summer Newsletter 2007

pdf (156.2 KB)

Privacy Matters Summer Newsletter 2008

pdf (718.23 KB)

Ministers Message Commissioners Message 2008 Australia Day Achievement Medallions ALRC Review Complaint Snapshots Martin Abrams Visit Scam Awareness Campaign Government Privacy Contact Officer Network Steering Committee Protect your privacy on social networking sites 28th Asia Pacific...

Privacy Matters Summer Newsletter 2009

pdf (759.04 KB)

Commissioners Message Voluntary Data-matching Guidelines - getting the perfect match Update on the Australian Governments response to the ALRC Report on Privacy New Website for the Office Start planning for Privacy Awareness Week! Surveillance in Public Places: Statistics Office participates in Australia/China Human...

Privacy Matters Summer Newsletter 2010

pdf (692.73 KB)

Privacy Matters Winter Newsletter 2007

pdf (225.16 KB)

Commissioners Message Privacy Survey Shows New Attitudes and Trends Privacy Awareness Week APPA Authorities discuss Initiatives in Cairns Approach to Regulating APEC Privacy Update Access Card Exposure Draft Submission Privacy Connections Forums When Privacy meets Technology Steps to Reconciliation...

Privacy Matters Winter Newsletter 2008

pdf (2 MB)

Commissioners Message Privacy Awards and Medal showcasing a committment to privacy Privacy Awards and Medal the winners and finalists New Guidance on Spam and the Privacy Act Guide for Handling Personal Information Security Breaches ALRC Review of the Privacy Act 1988 Complaint Snapshots OECD and APPA Forums i...

Privacy Matters Winter Newsletter 2009

pdf (1.62 MB)

Privacy Matters Winter Newsletter 2010

pdf (911.41 KB)

Advice for credit providers and credit reporting agencies when contracting out record management functions

pdf (25.13 KB)

Application for Public Interest Determination from Department of Immigration and Citizenship April 2010

pdf (193.23 KB)

Application for Public Interest Determination relating to genetic information July 2009

pdf (211.84 KB)

See PDF above

Application to replace PID 9

pdf (39.47 KB)

Approval by the Privacy Commissioner of guidelines issued under section 95AA of the Privacy Act 1988

pdf (316.77 KB)

ATO Data-matching Proposal

pdf (33.01 KB)

ATO Data-matching Proposal - Banking Transparency

pdf (84.37 KB)

ATO Data-matching Protocol

pdf (58.26 KB)

ATO Data-matching Protocol - Banking Transparency

pdf (167.12 KB)

Australian Governmnet Solicitor Legal Briefing 2002 - Outsourcing

pdf (643.46 KB)

Australian Privacy Awards & Privacy Medal 2009 - Nomination Form

pdf (680.16 KB)

Centrelink Data Matching Program Protocol July 2008

pdf (424.73 KB)

This is the July 2008 version of the Centelink Data Matching Program Protocol added to the OAIC's privacy site on 4 January 2013.

Complaint Form

word (90.5 KB)

Download Word doc above.

Compliance Officers APS 6, Compliance Section

pdf (300.67 KB)

word (45 KB)

Compliance Officers, Compliance Section - APS 6

pdf (124.39 KB)

word (42.5 KB)

Consulting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on proposals with privacy implications: Checklist for Australian Government agencies addressing privacy issues

pdf (69.11 KB)

Consulting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on proposals with privacy implications: Checklist for Australian Government agencies addressing privacy issues

Data-matching Explanatory Memorandum 1990

pdf (27.18 MB)

Data-matching Explanatory Memorandum 1992

pdf (4.02 MB)

Directors, Compliance or Policy, Executive Level 2

pdf (301.89 KB)

word (55.5 KB)

Draft Public Interest Determination No. 11

pdf (406.46 KB)

Draft Public Interest Determination No. 11A

pdf (384.32 KB)

Employment Applicant Details Form

pdf (113.68 KB)

word (36 KB)

Enquiries Officers APS 4, Compliance Section

pdf (15.53 KB)

word (50.5 KB)

Explanatory Statement - Biometrics Institute Privacy Code

pdf (45.44 KB)

Explanatory Statement - Revocation of the General Insurance Information Privacy Code

pdf (34.51 KB)

Explanatory Statement - section 135AA Guidelines

pdf (183.05 KB)

Issued under section 135AA of the National Health Act 1953 Issued on 6 March 2008 to take effect on 1 July 2008 Explanatory statement for the Privacy Guidelines for the Medicare Benefits and Pharmaceutical Benefits Programs 1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY Authority for making the Guidelines Relevant provisions of the P...

Explanatory Statement - Variation of the Market and Social Research Privacy Code

pdf (25.45 KB)

Explanatory Statement - Variation of the Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code

pdf (174.07 KB)

Explanatory Statement - Variation of the Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code

Explanatory statement for PIDs 10 & 10A

pdf (112.27 KB)

December 2007 Explanatory Statement 1.      PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY 1.1      Public Interest Determinations 10 and 10A This explanatory statement has been drafted for the purpose of fulfilling the Privacy Commissioners obligations under section 26(1) of the Legislative In...

Explanatory Statement – section 95AA Guidelines

pdf (571.56 KB)

Issues Paper 2004 re Section 135AA Guidelines Review

pdf (272.79 KB)

This Issues Paper was prepared as part of a Review of the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Programs Privacy Guidelines commencing in 2004.

Materials - private i - all extra materials

pdf (2.82 MB)

Materials - private i - your ultimate privacy survival guide

pdf (9.99 MB)

Materials - private i extra materials: banking online

pdf (205.8 KB)

Materials - private i extra materials: competitions

pdf (187.47 KB)

Materials - private i extra materials: no more junk

pdf (267.9 KB)

Materials - private i extra materials: your rights at work

pdf (2.24 MB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 1

pdf (558.1 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 2

pdf (511.49 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 3

pdf (467.83 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 4

pdf (454.44 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 5

pdf (583.81 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Poster 6

pdf (510.93 KB)

Materials - Think before you upload! Teaching resources

pdf (431.05 KB)

Media Release:

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,...

New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding 2008

pdf (3.61 MB)

Notice of receipt of application to replace PID 9

pdf (22.07 KB)

COLLECTION BY HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS OF FAMILY AND SOCIAL MEDICAL HISTORY INFORMATION FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT OR CARE OF AN INDIVIDUALNotice of Receipt of Application for a Public Interest Determination under the Privacy Act 1988 and notice of intended consultation process.The Privacy Commissioner has received an application fro...

NPP / IPP Bookmark

pdf (658.42 KB)

OPC Certified Agreement 2009-10

pdf (631.82 KB)