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Types

Topic(s): Health | Identity and ID

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 the announcement today of an inquiry into gene technology.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Australian Health Ethics Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council will examine the complex human rights, privacy and discrimination issues posed by advances in gene technology.

"Privacy of personal information must be addressed if Australians are to reap the full benefits that will come from use of gene technologies to improve our health and provide new treatments for medical conditions", Mr Crompton said.

"The inquiry is a timely opportunity to address widespread community concern over the application of these emerging technologies and I urge all interested Australians to contribute to this debate", Mr Crompton said.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner will be preparing a submission to the inquiry and emphasising the importance of a secure and robust regime for the treatment of this sensitive personal information that meets community expectations.

-Ends-

Joint News Release 9 August 2000: Commonwealth Attorney-General, The Hon. Daryl Williams AM QC MP and Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon. Dr Michael Wooldridge MP.