8/11/06

The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today welcomed the release by the Minister for Human Services of the Consumer and Privacy Task Force Report into the Health and Social Services Access Card, as well as the generally positive response by the Government to the Task Force's recommendations.

"I am pleased to see the emphasis that has been placed on privacy in the Report's recommendations and in the Government's response," said Ms Curtis.

Ms Curtis noted, however, that some recommendations in her submission to the Task Force had not been taken up either by the Taskforce or in the Government's response, for example, making the inclusion of a photograph on the face of the card voluntary.

"While the Taskforce and the Government have not taken up all of my recommendations, the Government should now ensure that the framework for the card includes rigorous privacy controls," Ms Curtis said.

Ms Curtis called for the access card legislation that the Government proposes to enact to contain privacy protection measures, including sanctions and remedies. Specifically, Ms Curtis recommended that the legislation: limit the uses of the card; prevent unauthorised access to, collection or misuse of information on the card, chip or underlying register; and prevent unauthorised or unintended uses and disclosures, including data matching.

"I am committed to working constructively with the Government to ensure that the introduction of the access card does not impact negatively on individuals' privacy," Ms Curtis said.

END