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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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

Types

Topic(s): Internet | Compliance

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 Diana's 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 December 2001. After that date private sector organisations will have new responsibilities in regard to how they collect and use peoples' personal information," he said.

"A person's health information is treated as particularly sensitive information under the changed Privacy Act. What this means is that generally an organisation will need the consent of the person before they collect their personal health information.

"Our preliminary examination of the employment web site suggests that the site does collect personal health information related to employees' sick leave and workers compensations claims.

"I strongly encourage any organisation looking to establish a web site that collects people's personal information to ensure that they are in a position to comply with the amended Privacy Act when it comes into force on 21 December 2001," Mr Crompton said.