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 risk and identify potential problem tenants.

Mr Crompton said "This is an important paper that has been developed by a working party of which the Office is a member. The working party is chaired by the Australian Government Department of Treasury, and other members include Commonwealth, State and Territory officials. It will report to the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs (MCCA) and the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) on this matter during 2004."

"A range of parties have an interest in the operation of RTDs, including the real estate industry, tenants, housing organisations, RTD operators, landlords, State and Territory Governments and the Australian Government," said Mr Crompton. "Submissions are encouraged from key stakeholders and the broader community on matters raised in the Issues Paper."

Submissions can be made to the Treasury until 24 December 2003, please see the Issues Paper for details. The Issues Paper can be located at http://www.consumer.gov.au/html/latest_news.htm