My Health My Privacy My Choice - a consumer's guide to privacy and health information (November 2002)

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In December 2001, all Australians were given new privacy rights. These rights protect the way your health information is handled by private health service providers and many other private sector organisations. My Privacy, My Choice The Privacy Act 1988 now includes ten National Privacy Principles or NPPs. These principles set the min...

My Privacy My Choice

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M v Australian Government Agency [2005] PrivCmrA 10

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Disclosure of personal information to a new employer about an incomplete internal investigation.

M v Body Corporate [2010] PrivCmrA 15

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Accuracy and security of personal information

M v Commonwealth Agency [2003] PrivCmrA 11

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Improper use and disclosure of personal information, accuracy of personal information and security of personal information

M v Commonwealth Agency [2008] PrivCmrA 13

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Unauthorised access and improper disclosure of personal information.

M v Financial Institution [2009] PrivCmrA 16

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Improper collection of personal information and accuracy of personal information

M v Health Service Provider [2006] PrivCmrA 12

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Improper disclosure of personal information by a health service provider.

M v Health Service Provider [2007] PrivCmrA 15

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Collection of sensitive information

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 …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 to… Respondent to OFPC research"Australians care deeply about their privacy" said the Federal Pr...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Welcomes New Privacy Committee of South Australia

Media Release 9/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner Welcomes New Privacy Committee of South Australia Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton attended the first meeting of the new Privacy Committee of South Australia in Adelaide today. Mr Crompton told the committee: "In a climate of globalisation and rapid growth in new te...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes the release of the Government's key provisions of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill

14/12/1999 Following the release, today, of the Governments key provisions of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill, the Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said "I welcome the release of the provisions and I look forward to examining them in detail." "I encourage everyone who is interested in the legislation to mak...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes today's announcement on ABN privacy

Media Release 20/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes todays announcement on ABN privacy solutions Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said "I welcome the recent announcement by the Government that it will move to amend the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 2000 to improve privacy protections for informat...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner's future direction

30/3/2000 "Technology doesnt have to be pitted against privacy, said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton during the launch of his Offices strategic plan, today. "Australians have taken up new technologies, like mobile phones and the Internet, with great enthusiasm and we appreciate the benefits they offer. However, new technolo...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner's Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing

30 March 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioners Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing and Privacy "No surprises is the key to a successful e-mail and web browsing policy in the workplace," said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner, during the launch of his Offices Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing and Privacy, by the Federal...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on ABN debate

2 June 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on ABN debate Media reports that I am currently conducting an investigation into the sale of details associated with the Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) are incorrect. My Office has been holding discussions with the Australian Taxation Office on this issue to discus...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on legislation

17/2/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on legislation to establish independent Privacy Commissioners Office "I welcome the introduction of the separation legislation and look forward to working through the many privacy challenges ahead." "The separation arrangemen...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on private sector

12 April 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on private sector privacy legislation Privacy is a fundamental human right that needs to be respected in a modern democracy. It is for this reason that I welcome the Governments move to extend privacy legislation to the private sector. It is timely that the Governmen...

Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, comments on privacy and databases

2/12/1999 Numerous surveys show people in Australia and internationally feel uneasy about the impact of new technologies on an individual''s privacy. A Roy Morgan survey, published in August 1999, found that "the majority of Australians (56 percent) are worried about invasion of privacy issues created by new information technologies....

Media Release: Gene Technology Inquiry is an opportunity to get privacy right

Media Release 9/8/2000 Gene Technology Inquiry is an opportunity to get privacy right Safeguarding privacy of personal health information will be essential if the community is to gain the benefits from adoption of new gene technologies in the treatment of medical conditions. The Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton, applauded...

Media Release: Global privacy resolutions benefit consumers and organisations

17/9/03 "I am very pleased to see global agreement on a resolution to improve the communication of privacy information to individuals," said Australias Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. In Sydney, last Friday, the worlds accredited Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners adopted a resolution setting out the basics of a con...

Media Release: Good privacy doesn't mean job losses

25 September 2002 "Claims by the Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) that changes to the Privacy Act will cost the direct marketing industry more than 220,000 jobs are ridiculous," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Contrary to ADMAs claims, there are no plans afoot to change the law and ADMA has supported th...

Media Release: Greater consistency required for telecommunications privacy, says Privacy Commissioner

8 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for changes to a number of laws to assist in clarifying privacy requirements in the telecommunications industry.  "Since the Privacy Act was enacted in 1988, Parliament has passed several different laws which include privacy protections in relation to telecommunica...

Media Release: Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector

3/10/2001 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today released the finalised Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector. Mr Crompton said, "The Guidelines will help health service providers better fulfil their obligations under the amended Privacy Act (that comes in force on 21 December 2001). The Guidelines clarify the privacy righ...

Media Release: Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles released

17/9/2001 "Today, I am announcing the early release of the finalised Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "This document should assist business get up to speed to meet the legislated requirements of the National Privacy Principles as established by the Privacy Act, and help organ...

Media Release: Guilty until proven innocent

9 August 2002 "DNA testing all children at birth and storing this sensitive data on a criminal database has the very real potential to undermine our civil liberties by eroding our privacy and implying that we are all guilty until proven innocent," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "In the current environment there...

Media Release: HCF did not breach Privacy Act for 'Helping Hands' Program, says Privacy Commissioner

27 July 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has found that private health insurance company HCF did not breach the Privacy Act when it disclosed the personal and sensitive information of its clients to McKesson Asia Pacific ("McKesson") as part of its Helping Hands program. "My Office views any suggestion of privacy breaches by organis...

Media Release: Hitachi, NAB, Sony & Telstra - Australian Privacy Awards finalists

4 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today announced the finalists for the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008. "From big businesses to government to NGOs, the range of nominations that weve received for the Australian Privacy Awards has been unbelievably impressive," said Ms Cur...

Media Release: How to investigate privacy complaints - Privacy Commissioner issues new guides

26 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has launched new guides to assist organisations and agencies in investigating privacy complaints they receive. "My Office has found that many of the privacy complaints we have received could have been resolved successfully by the organisation...

Media Release: How well do you know your privacy rights?

23 April 2009 In the lead up to Privacy Awareness Week (3-9 May 2009), the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is encouraging all Australians to learn more about their privacy rights. "Unfortunately, many Australians are not aware of the rights that the Privacy Act gives them," Ms Curtis said....

Media Release: Human Rights Commission welcomes appointment of new Privacy Commissioner

13/3/1999 Professor Alice Tay, President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, today (31 March 1999) welcomed the appointment of Malcolm Crompton as the new Federal Privacy Commissioner. "I am delighted to hear of Mr Cromptons appointment and I extend to him a warm welcome," Professor Tay said. "Mr Crompton brings with...

Media Release: International Privacy Commissioners urge young people: Think before you upload!

06 May 2009 The Privacy Commissioners of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) today launched a video reminding young people to protect their privacy online. The key message of the video is: ''Think before you upload. Once its out there, its everywhere!.    "We may think that the details, p...