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Types

Topic(s): Health | Identity and ID

Media Release: Protection of Human Genetic Information - Report released

29 May 2003

The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today welcomed the launch of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) and the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) Joint Inquiry Report: Essentially Yours: The Protection of Human Genetic Information in Australia by the Commonwealth Attorney-General and Minister for Health and Ageing.

Mr Crompton said "After extensive consultation with the community, the Joint Inquiry has produced an important document, which will attract international recognition for its comprehensive and thorough research on a range of critical issues.

"Medical and scientific understanding and uses of genetics continue to advance, as do the capacities of information technologies to use, analyse, and transfer genetic information. Effective and appropriate protection of human genetic information is essential if we are to benefit from these developments and at the same time, ensure our right to privacy.

"Genetic information is highly sensitive. Inappropriate use of it can have disastrous consequences for the individuals concerned" warned the Commissioner.

Mr Crompton said "For these reasons, all sections of the community should give serious consideration to the Report."

The ALRC/AHEC Report comes soon after the Government's tabling of the Report of the Independent Review of Part 1D of the Crimes Act 1914 - Forensic Procedures, noted Mr Crompton.

Mr Crompton said "There are now two Reports in the public domain which deal extensively with significant issues around DNA material that have implications for the future well-being of all Australians. We look forward to working with government on the issues arising from both these Reports."

Links:Report of the Independent Review of Part 1D of the Crimes Act 1914 - Forensic Procedures

More information from the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) and the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) about the Joint Inquiry Report Essentially Yours: The Protection of Human Genetic Information in Australia, is available on the www.alrc.gov.au web site.