Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has welcomed the work of the Mental Health Coalition in developing a kit on privacy in the mental health sector. The kit will assist providers, consumers and carers.

"Privacy presents challenges for those involved with mental health services, and yet it is of great importance in the sector, not least due to the sensitivity of individuals' mental health information" said Mr. Crompton. "The Coalition has worked with my Office to consider how some of these challenges can be addressed."

"Openness in communication with consumers is vital. As is the building of shared expectations between providers, consumers and carers about how mental health information is handled. This can ensure respect for consumer privacy as part of delivering quality mental health care."

"The kit has been developed by the sector for the sector. It will give practical assistance to providers in meeting their privacy obligations. Providers are encouraged to consider the suggestions in this kit in combination with other privacy sources, such as my Office's Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector."

"My thanks go to the Coalition for its commitment to this project."

The kit is available from http://www.spgpps.com.au/documents/spgpps/publications/Mental_Health_Privacy_Kit.pdf.