30/11/06

The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today signed an agreement that allows for greater cooperation between their offices when dealing with privacy-related complaints.

"The agreement will facilitate the exchange of information, subject to the expectations of the individuals concerned, so that individuals with complaints can continue to have their concerns dealt with effectively and efficiently," said Prof. McMillan.

Ms Curtis said the agreement aims to avoid unnecessary duplication between the two offices.

"A smoother handling of complaints between our two offices will provide Australians with an ongoing, high level of redress if they believe their privacy has been breached," Ms Curtis said.

Specifically, the agreement covers:

• the exchange of relevant information where both offices are considering the same issue;
• the option of conducting a joint investigation where a complaint falls within the jurisdiction of both offices;
• the referral of complaints to the other office if relevant and with consent; and
• procedures to be followed if one office receives a complaint about the other.

The two offices will hold annual consultations to discuss the effectiveness of the agreement.

END