5 June 2008

Privacy Awards close on 9 July

The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and government agencies to enter the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008 before the nomination period closes on 9 July.

"No-matter what size your organisation is or the scale of your privacy initiative, we encourage you to enter the Australian Privacy Awards," Ms Curtis said.

"The Awards offer an opportunity for public recognition of your organisation's good privacy practices, which could enhance your organisation's reputation and raise its profile.

"You never know - you may be chosen as a finalist or a winner and you could well become a privacy role model for thousands of other organisations in the years ahead!"

Awards will be presented in four categories:

• Large Business Award - for businesses with 100+ employees.
• Microsoft Small-medium Business Award - for businesses with less than 100 employees.
• Community and NGO Award - for not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, NGOs, industry bodies, advocacy organisations, and social, cultural, sporting or community groups.
• Symantec Government Award - for any government agency at a local, state or national level.

An overall Grand Award will be presented to the most outstanding entrant.

The presentation to the winners will take place at a gala dinner on 27 August 2008.

The Awards are sponsored by Symantec (Major Sponsor), Microsoft (Major Sponsor), Clayton Utz (Executive Sponsor), and Australian Finance Conference (Sponsor).

Further details, including the judging criteria and nomination forms, can be found at www.privacy.gov.au/news/awards/