31 July 2008

The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for businesses, organisations and government agencies to focus on privacy during Privacy Awareness Week, 24-30 August 2008.

"Privacy Awareness Week is an opportune time to review your practices and procedures for handling personal information," Ms Curtis said.

The Week is an annual promotion by the Australian Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the other Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities. During the Week, various activities will be held to promote privacy responsibilities within the public and private sectors, and raise awareness of the public's privacy rights.

In the lead up to and during the Week, Ms Curtis suggests organisations and agencies:

• review their privacy policy and privacy procedures
• develop and promote privacy FAQs and information for customers
• promote good privacy practices by holding staff information sessions or publishing articles on intranets or in newsletters
• distribute the Privacy Awareness Week promotional items available from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

"Good privacy will not only ensure compliance with Australian laws, but will improve client trust in an organisation." Ms Curtis said.

"Remember, privacy is your business!"

For further information about Privacy Awareness Week, what you can do, and to order free promotional items visit www.privacyawarenessweek.org/paw/australia.html.