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- Note 1: Major changes to the Privacy Act 1988 will come into effect in March 2014. Agencies, businesses and not for profits need to start preparing for these changes. For more information go to our privacy law reform page at www.oaic.gov.au
- Note 2: From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date. For new privacy content visit the www.oaic.gov.au website.
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Documents under "Media Releases", filtered by "date".
2010
ACMA and Australian Privacy Commissioner to examine botched Telstra mail out
27 October 2010 The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner are looking into the circumstances of a botched mail out by Telstra to its customers.
Australian Information Commissioner Designate welcomes new Privacy Commissioner
22 July 10 Australian Information Commissioner Designate, Professor John McMillan, today welcomed the appointment of Mr Timothy Pilgrim as Australia’s Privacy Commissioner.
New Privacy Commissioner ready to respond to privacy challenges
22 July 10 Australia’s new Privacy Commissioner, Mr Timothy Pilgrim, today said that he looks forward to the challenges and opportunities presented by his new role.
Australian Privacy Commissioner obtains privacy undertakings from Google
9 July 10 Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has concluded her investigation into Google's collection of unsecured WiFi payload data in Australia using Street View vehicles.
Privacy Commissioner welcomes step towards nationally consistent privacy laws
25 June 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis today welcomed the release of an exposure draft of new Australian Privacy Principles and their referral to a Senate Committee for inquiry and report.
Privacy Commissioner welcomes National Cyber Security Awareness Week
7 June 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis today welcomed National Cyber Security Awareness Week as an opportunity to partner with the Australian Government in promoting smart online practices.
Privacy Commissioner issues Temporary Public Interest Determination for research relating to international students
7 May 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has issued a Temporary Public Interest Determination (TPID) to allow the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to disclose a limited set of specific personal information about current and former student visa holders to all police jurisdictions and the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).
Privacy as an afterthought could lead to breaches, Privacy Commissioner tells organisations
6 May 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on organisations to conduct Privacy Impact Assessments when looking to develop new products, services, projects or systems.
Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 8 for 2010
6 May 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has published eight new case notes for 2010.
Privacy Commissioner: The Privacy Act is not a barrier in an emergency or disaster
6 May 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has today released an information sheet that will help agencies and organisations better understand how to handle personal information during declared emergencies and disasters.
Australians encouraged to mobilise their mobile phone privacy
5 May 10 Three Federal Government agencies have joined together to encourage Australians to think about privacy and security when using their mobile phones.
Privacy Commissioner tells pubs and clubs: Don't scan IDs unless you know your privacy obligations
4 May 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has told pubs and clubs to familiarise themselves with their legal obligations when looking to collect patrons' identity information.
Asia Pacific Privacy Commissioners join together to fight identity theft
3 May 10 A new free online tool to help people protect themselves against identity theft has been launched as part of Privacy Awareness Week 2010.
Privacy Commissioner urges all Australians: Take privacy into your own hands
30 April 10 As Privacy Awareness Week (2-8 May) commences for 2010, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is calling on all Australians to take practical steps to protect their privacy.
Privacy Commissioner tells organisations: Publicise your Privacy!
25 March 10 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for businesses and government agencies across the country to publicise their commitment to good privacy practices in the lead up to Privacy Awareness Week, 2-8 May 2010.
Australian privacy efforts acknowledged internationally
09 Feb 10 In recent weeks both the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and leading privacy lawmaker Michael Kirby have been acknowledged internationally for their work.
2009
Privacy Commissioner to advise DHS on service delivery reform
16 Dec 09 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has announced that her Office will be working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help ensure that its service delivery reform incorporates privacy safeguards.
New privacy guidelines for health practitioners on disclosing genetic information
15 Dec 09 JOINT MEDIA RELEASE of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the National Health and Medical Research Council
Victorian agency receives top privacy gong for blog, training, and awareness campaign
12 Nov 09 The Victorian Department of Justice was named tonight as the Grand Award winner of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.
Major health insurer awarded for privacy training program
12 Nov 09 The health insurance giant, Australian Health Management, was named tonight as the winner of the Large Business category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.
FlyBuys' privacy protections recognised in Privacy Awards
12 Nov 09 The parent company of the FlyBuys shopping rewards system, Loyalty Pacific, was named tonight as the winner of the Small-Medium Business category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.
Market research industry recognised for privacy code
12 Nov 09 The Association of Market and Social Research Organisations was named tonight as the winner of the Community and NGO category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009 for its industry privacy code.
Customs receives privacy award for Australia-EU airline agreement
12 Nov 09 The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service was named tonight as the winner of the Symantec Government category of the Australian Privacy Awards 2009 for its Australian-European Union Passenger Name Record Agreement.
Leading privacy advocate receives prestigious award for achievement
12 Nov 09 Dr Roger Clarke, a leading privacy consultant, academic and advocate, was tonight announced as the winner of the Australian Privacy Medal 2009.
Winners of the Australian Privacy Awards and Medal 2009
12 Nov 09 The winners of the Australian Privacy Awards and Medal 2009 have been announced
Privacy Commissioner welcomes response to privacy inquiry
14 Oct 09 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the Government's release today of its first stage response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of privacy law.
ahm, FlyBuys, PayPal & NAB - Australian Privacy Awards finalists
07 Oct 09 Major Australian companies, not for profit organisations and government agencies have made it onto the list of finalists for this year's Australian Privacy Awards, announced today by the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis.
Last chance to nominate for Australian Privacy Awards
9 July 2009 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and government agencies to enter the Australian Privacy Awards before the nomination period closes on 6 August. "We want to recognise businesses, community organisations and agencies for g...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner urges Government agencies: Protect data on USBs & PDAs
08 May 2009 Research commissioned by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner has shown that, while most Australian Government agencies have policies regarding the transfer of personal information, not all have appropriate controls covering the use of portable storage devices (PSDs) for the handling of personal information....
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner calls for more recognition of good privacy practices
06 May 2009 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for more recognition for businesses, community organisations and government agencies for their privacy initiatives, and has urged them to nominate for the Australian Privacy Awards. "Australian businesses and agencies do not receive enough reco...
Media Release: International Privacy Commissioners urge young people: Think before you upload!
06 May 2009 The Privacy Commissioners of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) today launched a video reminding young people to protect their privacy online. The key message of the video is: ''Think before you upload. Once its out there, its everywhere!. "We may think that the details, p...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 ? 6 for 2009
05 May 2009 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has published six new case notes: A v Medical Practitioner [2009] PrivCmrA 1: Collection of personal information and access to personal information. B v Cleaning Company [2009] PrivCmrA 2: Disclosure of personal information and the employee records...
Media Release: What young adults always wanted to know about privacy, but were too afraid to ask
04 May 2009 Speaking today at the launch of her Offices new magazine-style publication for young adults, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, said that not enough 18-24 year olds know about their privacy rights under Australian law. "From online social networking to getting your ID scanned at clubs, you...
Media Release: How well do you know your privacy rights?
23 April 2009 In the lead up to Privacy Awareness Week (3-9 May 2009), the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is encouraging all Australians to learn more about their privacy rights. "Unfortunately, many Australians are not aware of the rights that the Privacy Act gives them," Ms Curtis said....
2008
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 22 - 24 for 2008
05 December 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has published three new case notes: V v Commonwealth Agency [2008] PrivCmrA 22 - improper collection and disclosure of personal information and failure to provide notice of collection of personal information. Own Motion Investigation v Direct Marketer [2008] Pr...
Media Release: Reform of NSW privacy laws needed to promote national uniformity, says Privacy Commissioner
27 October 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the NSW Law Reform Commissions (NSWLRC) proposal to reform NSW privacy law to achieve national consistency. "It makes little sense for there to be overlapping privacy laws with differing privacy standards between jurisdictions," Ms...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 19 - 21 for 2008
29 August 2008 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has published three new case notes. S v Health Service Provider [2008] PrivCmrA 19: Failure to keep personal information secure T v Private Community Centre [2008] PrivCmrA 20: Failure to provide adequate notice when collecting personal information; impr...
Media Release: Australia & New Zealand - privacy regulators sign agreement
29 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, and the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, have announced the extension of an agreement between their offices. "The privacy challenges we face in Australia are not unique," Ms Curtis said. "There are significant...
Media Release: The winners of the Australian Privacy Awards & Medal 2008
27 August 2008 Businesses, NGOs and government agencies featured among the winners of the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards and the Australian Privacy Medal at a gala dinner held in Sydney tonight. "The Awards and the Medal are the first of their kind in the world," said Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Commissioner. "They a...
Media Release: Justice Michael Kirby wins inaugural Australian Privacy Medal
27 August 2008 High Court Judge, Michael Kirby, was tonight announced as the recipient of the inaugural Australian Privacy Medal. "Justice Kirby has made an invaluable contribution over many years to enhancing not only Australians'' privacy rights, but also those of citizens across the globe," said Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Co...
Media Release: Medicare Australia wins Grand Award for privacy
27 August 2008 Medicare Australia was named tonight as the winner of the Grand Award in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "Medicare Australia''s nomination was outstanding, showing how the agency has integrated good privacy practices into all areas of its operations," said Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Commissioner....
Media Release: Telstra wins Large Business Privacy Award
27 August 2008 Telstra Corporation was named tonight as the winner of the Large Business Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "The telecommunications sector is probably one of the most demanding when it comes to privacy protections, particularly given rapid technological developments, and the use...
Media Release: Direct marketer wins Small Business Privacy Award
27 August 2008 Data Solutions Australia, a small business providing mailing and telemarketing data for direct marketing, was named tonight as the winner of the Microsoft Small-Medium Business Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "This Award shows that businesses in all sectors - including direct marketers...
Media Release: Dental Association rewarded for good privacy
27 August 2008 The Australian Dental Association, NSW Branch, was named tonight as the winner of the Community and NGO Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. "When people go to the dentist, or any health service provider, they expect their personal information to be safeguarded by the dentist and sta...
Media Release: Child Support Agency takes out Privacy Award
27 August 2008 The Child Support Agency was named tonight as the winner of the Symantec Government Award category in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program. ''Given the sensitivities involved in handling cases where a relationship has broken down, respecting the privacy of each partner, and of the child, is paramount,''...
Media Release: Spam and privacy - new guidance issued
26 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today released new guidanceto assist organisations who seek to engage in electronic marketing. "The Privacy and Spam Acts provide Australians with protections against receiving unsolicited emails, and it is in business best interests...
Media Release: How to investigate privacy complaints - Privacy Commissioner issues new guides
26 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has launched new guides to assist organisations and agencies in investigating privacy complaints they receive. "My Office has found that many of the privacy complaints we have received could have been resolved successfully by the organisation...
Media Release: Businesses urged to review privacy practices
25 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on business owners and operators to review their privacy practices during Privacy Awareness Week, 24-30 August 2008. "Privacy is not simply a legal obligation; it helps build trust in your business among your customers and stakehol...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner launches data breach guide
25 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has released a "Guide to Handling Personal Information Security Breaches". It is for use by businesses, agencies and non-government organisations in preventing and, if necessary, responding to a data breach. "Under the Privacy Act, org...
Media Release: E-health privacy blueprint - robust legislation is needed says Privacy Commissioner
15 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for legislation for the proposed national Individual Electronic Health Records (IEHR) system. "The National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) has identified some valuable privacy considerations for the proposed IEHR...
Media Release: ALRC report - a valuable contribution to privacy law reform, says Privacy Commissioner
11 August 2008 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release of the final report of the privacy law review undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission over the past two years. "The report is a valuable contribution to assist the Government develop its approach to the reform of Australias privacy reg...
Media Release: Hitachi, NAB, Sony & Telstra - Australian Privacy Awards finalists
4 August 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today announced the finalists for the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008. "From big businesses to government to NGOs, the range of nominations that weve received for the Australian Privacy Awards has been unbelievably impressive," said Ms Cur...
Media Release: "Privacy Awareness Week is a good opportunity to review your privacy practices," says Privacy Commissioner
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,...
Media Release: International privacy initiative - Privacy commissioners call for videos to 'expose' privacy
14 July 2008 An international competition for secondary school students in the Asia Pacific is being conducted as part of Privacy Awareness Week, 24 - 30 August 2008. The closing date for the competition has been extended to 8 August 2008 to allow students across the country more time to complete their entries. Launched in...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 8 - 18 for 2008
26 June 2008 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released eleven new case notes: H v Credit Reporting Agency [2008] PrivCmrA 8 - Accuracy of credit information file. I v Contracted Service Provider to Commonwealth Agency [2008] PrivCmrA 9 - Unnecessary collection of personal information and failure to...
Media Release: Better e-security is key to enhanced privacy
6 June 2008 Marking the beginning of National E-security Awareness Week, 6-13 June 2008, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has urged both organisations and the public to take extra care to safeguard their information on computer systems: "Many of the privacy breaches that my Office is aware of occurred not only because of...
Media Release: Don't miss the chance to be recognised for good privacy practices
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 priv...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 7 for 2008
29 May 2008 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released seven new case notes: A v Private School [2008] PrivCmrA 1 - refusal to give access to personal information held by a private school. B v Hotel [2008] PrivCmrA 2 - Improper disclosure of personal information by an organisation....
Media Release: International privacy initiative - What do students think about privacy?
5 May 2008 The Privacy Commissioners of Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Canada, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria today launched an international privacy competition and have encouraged secondary school students to enter. Prizes include a video camera and gift vouchers to the value of approximately $3,000. "Ou...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner seeks views on data breach notification guide
15 April 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for feedback from businesses, organisations, government agencies and the public on a draft Voluntary Information Security Breach Notification Guide. "While agencies and organisations are required to safeguard the personal information they hold, unfortunately and...
Media Release: Rewards for good privacy - launch of inaugural Australian Privacy Awards and Australian Privacy Medal
9 April 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called on businesses, community organisations and government agencies to enter the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards 2008, and for individuals who have shown outstanding commitment in the field of privacy to be nominated for the Australian Privacy Medal 2008. "Org...
Media Release: New privacy guidance to assist private health service providers
11 March 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today issued new privacy guidance materials for medical practitioners and other health service providers and the public. ''The new guidance materials are the culmination of an extensive consultation process by my Office, and offer health care pr...
Media Release: Revised privacy guidelines for Medicare & PBS claims information
07 March 2008 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has issued a revised set of Guidelines covering the handling of claims information collected under the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits programs. "The Guidelines seek to maintain a high level of privacy protection for Australians claims information, whil...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner calls for mandatory reporting of major data security breaches
30 January 2008 In the wake of recent significant data breaches in the United Kingdom, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has reiterated her call for compulsory notification of major data security breaches by Australian organisations. "While reporting would need to be proportional to the severity of the breach, it would p...
2007
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner endorses consistency in privacy law in Australia
21 December 2007 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has strongly endorsed making privacy laws in Australia consistent so that business, government and individuals can easily understand their rights and responsibilities. "It is time to address the complexity of privacy regulation in Australia," Ms Curtis said. "The cur...
Media Release: Protect your privacy on social networking sites, says Privacy Commissioner
18 December 2007 Recognising growing community concerns about the potential privacy risks associated with social networking websites, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner has issued advice to Australians - especially teenagers - about protecting their personal information on these sites. "Many people are all too readily posting p...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 25 - 27 for 2007
17 December 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released three new case notes: In W v Telecommunications Company [2007] PrivCmrA 25, it was alleged that personal information relating to a telecommunications service had been improperly disclosed. In X v Transport Company [2007] PrivCmrA 26, the Off...
Media Release: Doctors can continue to collect information from patients about relatives, says Privacy Commissioner
13 December 2007 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made two ''Public Interest Determinations'' to continue to allow health service providers to collect health information from patients about their family medical history without seeking the family members'' consent. The information can only be collected where relevant to the pat...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner: Remember your privacy obligations when collecting information for anti-money laundering purposes
11 December 2007 With the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism FinancingAct (AML/CTF) coming into effect tomorrow, the Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has reminded businesses to carefully consider their privacy obligations when collecting personal information for AML/CTF purposes. ''While it is of course im...
Media Release: ALRC Review Paper is an important step, says Privacy Commissioner
12 September 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release today of the Australian Law Reform Commissions Discussion Paper as part of its review of privacy law in Australia. ''The ALRC review is an important process for ensuring that Australians continue to receive a high level of privacy protection in coming...
Media Release: Privacy Law Reform 'essentials'
31 August 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released a list of essentials for privacy law reform in Australia. They are drawn from submissions the Office has made to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) review of privacy. "The ALRC will shortly be releasing a discussion paper and I look forward to continuing t...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner advises pubs and clubs on ID scanning obligations
30 August 2007 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today issued advice to pubs, clubs and other organisations that scan peoples ID documents or are considering doing so to seriously consider their obligations under the Privacy Act. "If pubs and clubs that scan peoples ID fail to heed their obligations under the Privacy...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 21 - 24 for 2007
29 August 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released four new case notes: In S v Accounting Firm [2007] PrivCmrA 21, it was alleged that Tax File Numbers were improperly disclosed. In T v Retailer [2007] PrivCmrA 22, the Office investigated the improper listing of a payment default on an individu...
Media Release: National privacy survey: ID theft, ID scanning and online privacy concerns are on the rise
28 August 2007 A national survey commissioned by the Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner has found that technological developments have increased Australians privacy concerns. Among the findings are: ID THEFT: 9% of Australians claim to have been victims of ID theft and 60% are concerned about becoming a victim. 45%...
Media Release: Melbourne girl wins international youth privacy competition
27 August 2007 The Privacy Commissioners of Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria today announced that Erica Hei-Yuan Chan, a 16-year old student at the Carey Baptist Grammar School in Kew, Victoria, is the winner of an international competition for secondary school students promoting awar...
Media Release: Access Card Bill makes progress in promoting privacy, says Privacy Commissioner
22/08/2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has acknowledged the progress made with the second public exposure draft of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007, in advancing privacy protections for the Governments proposed Access Card. "While there are still a number of steps that can be taken to enhance the Access...
Media Release: 'Privacy is your business' theme for Asia-Pacific Privacy Awareness Week 2007
21/8/2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for government agencies and business to participate in Privacy Awareness Week from 26 August to 1 September 2007. "Privacy is everyones concern, but often we dont think about it until its gone," Ms Curtis said. "Privacy Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all, both as in...
Media Release: HCF did not breach Privacy Act for 'Helping Hands' Program, says Privacy Commissioner
27 July 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has found that private health insurance company HCF did not breach the Privacy Act when it disclosed the personal and sensitive information of its clients to McKesson Asia Pacific ("McKesson") as part of its Helping Hands program. "My Office views any suggestion of privacy breaches by organis...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner approves variation to Market and Social Research Privacy Code
6 July 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has given her approval to vary the Market and Social Research Privacy Code (the ''Code) under section 18BD of the Privacy Act 1988. "The variation to the Code reflects industry changes, as well as the changes to the Privacy Actsince the Code was initially approved in September 2003,...
Media Release: Access Card consultations will allow remaining privacy concerns to be aired, says Privacy Commissioner
21st June 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the release of the second exposure draft for the Access Card legislation [accesscard.gov.au] and the consultation process. "Extensive consultation regarding the proposed Access Card legislation will allow the Cards privacy safeguards to be thoroughly examined," Ms C...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 8 - 20 for 2007
29 June 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released 13 new case notes covering a range of different privacy issues and topics: F v Insurance Company [2007] PrivCmrA 8 relates to the collection and disclosure of personal information during an insurance claim. G v Law Firm [2007] PrivC...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 7 for 2007
25 May 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released seven new case notes covering a range of different privacy issues and topics: A v Licensed Club [2007] PrivCmrA 1 relates to the disclosure of personal information by a licensed club resulting in the harassment of the individuals concerned. B v Surgeon [...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner releases Information Sheet on Prescription Shopping Information Service
4th May 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has released a new Information Sheet on Privacy and the Prescription Shopping Information Service (PSIS), available at http://www.privacy.gov.au/publications/IS19_07.html. The Information Sheet is intended to provide private sector medical practitioners with an overview of their Privacy Act...
Media Release: Do Not Call Register is an important step, says Privacy Commissioner
The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the launch of the Do Not Call Register by Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. "People value their privacy at home and unwanted telemarketing calls are a nuisance," Ms Curtis said. "The Do Not Call Register is an important st...
Media Release: Students encouraged to participate in international privacy competition
30 April 2007 The Privacy Commissioners of Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria today launched an international privacy competition and have encouraged secondary school students to enter. Prizes include a laptop computer and gift vouchers. ''Our Offices have chosen to target s...
Media Release: Reduce complexity in credit information regulation, says Privacy Commissioner
20 April 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has concluded that, while the credit reporting provisions of the Privacy Act have generally worked well, the regulation of personal credit information could be improved to reduce complexity while still maintaining strong privacy protections. "The protection of credit information...
Media Announcement: Submission to Privacy Task Force on Proposal for optional health and emergency information
26 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has released a submission made in response to the second discussion paper released by the Minister for Human Services Consumer and Privacy Taskforce. This discussion paper concerns the proposals for Optional Health and Emergency Information to be stored on the Access Card. The submissio...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner supports ID theft awareness campaign
26 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has voiced her support for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforces campaign, "Scams target you - protect yourself", and its "protect your identity" theme. "ID theft is a growing phenomenon and people need to take steps to safeguard their personal information," Ms Curtis said. Ms...
Media Release: Merge privacy principles to enhance national consistency, says Privacy Commissioner
8 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for a merging of the two sets of privacy principles in the Privacy Act, to create a new single set of principles and has called for greater national consistency in privacy regulation. "The existing principles in the Privacy Act are generally operating well and principle-based...
Media Release: National consistency needed in health privacy law, says Privacy Commissioner
8 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for the Privacy Act to ''cover the field in regulating health service providers in the private sector. "At present, private sector health service providers can have privacy obligations under both State and Federal laws, which can create significant confusion...
Media Release: Amend Privacy Act to address security breaches, biometrics and data-matching, says Privacy Commissioner
8 March 2007 While noting that the Privacy Act has generally worked well, the Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has recommended to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) that changes to the Privacy Act may be necessary to reflect technological developments. "New technologies can offer immense benefits but we need strong protections...
Media Release: Greater consistency required for telecommunications privacy, says Privacy Commissioner
8 March 2007 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for changes to a number of laws to assist in clarifying privacy requirements in the telecommunications industry. "Since the Privacy Act was enacted in 1988, Parliament has passed several different laws which include privacy protections in relation to telecommunica...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on draft Access Card legislation
22/1/07 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the exposure draft of the legislation governing the health and social services access card and accompanying system. "The legislation presents an opportunity to prescribe the purpose, functions and practical operation of the access card and has the potential to offer Austra...
2006
Media Announcement: Government's response to private sector review is a positive step for privacy, says Privacy Commissioner
30/11/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today welcomed the Governments response to her report, "Getting in on the Act: The Review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act 1988". "In its response, the Government has either accepted, noted or referred to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) for further discussion,...
Media Release: Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner to streamline joint complaint handling processes
30/11/06 Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan and the Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis 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...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner welcomes release of the Access Card Task Force Report
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 Forces recommendations. "I am pleased to see the emphasis that has b...
Media Announcement: appointment of new Privacy Advisory Committee member
6/11/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, has today welcomed the appointment by the Governor-General of Robin Banks to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC). ''Robin brings a wealth of experience, particular from the community sector, and I have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to the PAC'' said Ms C...
Media Announcement: Renewal of credit provider determination
31 October 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today announced the renewal of the credit provider determination concerning Indigenous Business Australia (the IBA Determination). There is no change in the terms of the determination and it will be effective for five years. ''I believe the IBA Determination...
Media Announcement: launch of the Australian Privacy Commissioner's Newsletter
As part of its efforts in raising privacy awareness and compliance among organisations and agencies, the Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, today announced the launch of a new electronic publication - Privacy Matters. ''My Office is committed to encouraging best practice in privacy and Privacy Matters will form an integral component of th...
Media Announcement: Cross-Tasman initiative to promote privacy protection
19/09/06 The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, and the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, today announced the signing of an agreement which will allow for cooperation between their offices on privacy-related issues. "The agreement will cement the already close ties between our Offices in tackling emerging privacy chall...
Media Announcement: Commissioner renews two credit provider determinations
31 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today announced the renewal of two credit provider determinations. There is no change in the terms of either of the determinations and both will be effective for five years. "I believe these Determinations appropriately balance the protection of individuals privacy with the needs...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 19 - 22 for 2006
30 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today released four case notes relating to personal information handled by a law firm, banking institution, health service provider and a credit provider: T v Law Firm [2006] PrivCmrA 19, involved a law firm that was handling two separate insurance-related cases relat...
Media Announcement: Release of Privacy Impact Assessment Guide and Layered Privacy Policy
29/8/06 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today announced the release of two new documents: the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Guide and a new Privacy Policy for her Office. "These two documents will undoubtedly play an important role in assisting agencies and organisations in further developing their privacy systems and proc...
Media Announcement: Commissioners jointly promote Privacy Awareness Week
28 August 2006 Australian Privacy Commissioner, Ms Karen Curtis, announces the launch of Privacy Awareness Week (27 August to 2 September 2006). "My Office along with Privacy NSW, Privacy Victoria and the Northern Territory Information Commissioner are jointly promoting Privacy Awareness Week," said Ms Curtis. "It is the first tim...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner responds to Access Card Taskforce Paper
25/08/2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has recommended a range of privacy safeguards be developed for the proposed health and social services access card. These recommendations have been made in her submission to the first Discussion Paper released by the Access Card Consumer and Privacy Taskforce. ''There is a need to ensure t...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on the Second Exposure Draft of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill
24 August 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made a submission to the Attorney-General''s Department on the second exposure draft of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill 2006. ''While recognising the potential benefits to the community of measures to address money-laundering and terrorism financing,...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner comments on Centrelink's privacy report
23 August 2006 In responding to comments in todays media regarding the results from Centrelinks review of staff access to customer records Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has reinforced the need for Australian Government agencies to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the Privacy Act. "It is important that Australian...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner Releases Review Report for Medicare and PBS Privacy Guidelines
1 August 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released the report of her Offices Review of the Privacy Guidelines for the Handling of Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims information. The Guidelines are issued under section 135AA of the National Health Act 1953, and it is a function of the Privacy Commissioner to m...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner approves Biometrics Institute Privacy Code
27 July 2006 Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis has approved the Biometrics Institute Privacy Code, which comes into operation on 1 September 2006. "I am pleased to announce that I have approved the Biometrics Institute Privacy Code, submitted to my Office by the Biometrics Institute," said Ms Curtis. "This has...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 15 - 18 for 2006
30 June 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released four case notes regarding personal information handled by an electrical goods retailer, a financial institution, a medical equipment supplier and a telecommunications provider. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner releases privacy audit reports
30 June 2006 The Privacy Act provides for the Commissioner to undertake audits to assess and improve compliance with the Privacy Act on the part of Australian and ACT government agencies, credit reporting agencies, credit providers and tax file number recipients. The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has decided to publish the finalised...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 10 - 14 for 2006
26 June 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released five case notes regarding personal information handled by tenancy database companies, health service providers and a utility provider. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered to be of interest to the general public. Not...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner Welcomes Do Not Call Register
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner today released its submission to the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References and Legislation Committee Inquiry into the provisions of the Do Not Call Register Bill 2006. "I welcome the Australian Government''s introduction of a National Do Not Ca...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner welcomes additional resources
10 May 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, welcomed the Governments announcement in the Budget that her Office would receive an increase in funding of approximately $8.1m over four years. "This increase in resources will allow my Office to be further involved in key issues impacting on the privacy of the community", said th...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 5 - 9 for 2006
28 April 2006The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released five case notes regarding personal information handled by a money transfer service, a taxation accountant, a chartered accountant, a retail company, and a utility company and industry group. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are consi...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on the health and welfare access card system
27 April 2006"I believe that the potential benefits the access card could bring to health and welfare service delivery can be achieved while respecting the privacy rights of individuals," said Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis. "However, for this to occur it is essential that appropriate privacy protections are built in early, particularly into...
Media Statement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 4 for 2006
1 March 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released four case notes regarding personal information handled by a credit provider, a banking institution, insurance company and an Australian Government agency. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered to be of interest...
Announcement: Review of Credit Reporting Determinations
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is currently reviewing its Credit Provider Determinations. The Office has prepared Consultation Papers to assist individuals and organisations to prepare comments for the review. Assignees and Classes of Credit Provider Consultation Paper No. 1 discusses: Credit Provider Determination...
Media Statement: Privacy Commissioner renewed two Credit Provider Determinations
27 February 2006 The Privacy Commissioner has renewed two credit provider Determinations for approximately six months while her Office conducts public consultations. The first Determination " concerning assignees " facilitates credit reporting where a debt is assigned from one business to another. The second Determination " concerni...
Media Release: Commissioner revokes General Insurance Information Privacy Code
1 February 2006 Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis, has signed an instrument which will revoke the General Insurance Information Privacy Code effective on 30 April 2006. "The privacy protection given to personal information held by general insurance companies is not weakened by the revocation of this code," said Ms Curtis....
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner welcomes ALRC review into the Privacy Act
31 January 2006 Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the Attorney Generals announcement that the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) will conduct a review of the Privacy Act. "The Attorney-Generals announcement is a further positive step towards ensuring that Australias privacy laws deliver to Australians the most ap...
2005
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner makes health related determinations
9 February 2006 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made two health related temporary public interest determinations. "The determinations continue arrangements established in February 2005 in response to an application from a doctor in private practice who was concerned that accessing the Information Service provided by Medicare Aust...
Media Announcement: Privacy Commissioner investigates Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions
17/08/05Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis has opened investigations into Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions following allegations raised in the ABCs Four Corners story, Your Money and Your Life, regarding possible breaches of the Privacy Act. "My Office has contacted Switch Mobile and One Touch Solutions and will investigate whether Switch M...
Announcement: Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 8 to 18
29 June 2005 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 8 to 18 regarding personal information handled by credit providers, insurance providers, employment agencies, a telecommunications service provider, an internet service provider and federal government agencies. The Privacy Commissioner publishes case...
Media Statement: Commissioner clarifies media inaccuracies that doctors are selling patient information to drug companies
26 May 2005 "Recent media reports about the Offices investigations into information flows between doctors and the Health Communications Network Limited (HCN) and CAMM Pacific are inaccurate and may have led to confusion among consumers," said Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis. "It is important that people know that I have not approved...
Media Release: Release of the report into the review of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act
18 May 2005 Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, today welcomed the release, by the Attorney General, the Hon Philip Ruddock, MP, of her report into the operation of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act''Getting in on the Act: The Review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act 1988. ''This review is the first major ex...
Announcement: Entries to the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award are now being sought
13 May 2005 Individuals interested in privacy may wish to submit a paper to the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award about privacy. Award winner(s) will receive $US 3,000 in cash and the opportunity to present the paper to an international privacy conference in 2006. As part of the Barbara Wellbery Memorial Award, a stipend of up to $US 2,000...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner concludes investigation into CAMM Pacific and Health Communications Network Limited
11 May 2005 "Most people consider that health information about them is quite sensitive. When my Office became aware that the personal information of patients may have been inappropriately disclosed by doctors to CAMM Pacific via Health Communications Network Limiteds (HCN) Medical Director software, I chose to investigate," said Privacy C...
Media Statement: Calls to electors outside the jurisdiction of the Privacy Act
30 March 2005 The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today advised that she will not be investigating the complaint about the telemarketing activities of the Liberal Party of Australia, which was referred to her by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) on 21 March 2005. "I have examined the information provided to me by the A...
Media Statement: New Privacy Advisory Committee members appointed
2 March 2005 "I welcome the Attorney-Generals announcement that three new members have been appointed to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC) by the Governor-General. I look forward to working with them", said Federal Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis. "The PAC provides strategic advice on privacy from a broad range of perspectives. Community,...
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 - 7, 2005
25 February 2005 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 1 to 7 regarding excessive charges for access to records, a disputed credit file listing, inappropriate disclosure of personal information and a failure to appropriately secure documents when in transit. In A v Insurer [2005] Pri...
2004
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 16 - 19, 2004
The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released case notes 16 to 19 regarding collection of personal information, a default listing on consumer credit file and the use of personal information for direct marketing. In Z v Credit Provider [2004] PrivCmrA 16 the complainant attended a bank branch and presented a cheque marked...
Announcement: Review of the Medicare and PBS Privacy Guidelines issued under section 135AA of the National Health Act 1953
The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is asking organisations, agencies and individuals to give their views about the operation of the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Programs Privacy Guidelines. All interested parties are invited to make submissions to the review. Background The Privacy Guidelines apply to the handling of i...
Media Release: Commissioner seeks views about the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act
27 October 2004 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, is asking organisations and individuals to give their views about the operation of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act, that came into effect on 21 December 2001. To assist interested parties in making comments about the provisions, the Commissioner today released an...
Media Release: Results of research into community attitudes towards privacy released
26 October 2004 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has today released the findings of research into the privacy attitudes of Australians. The focus of the research was to examine peoples attitudes to privacy in a number of areas including: health, the Internet, dealing with businesses and government organisations, and privacy...
Media Release: 65,000 One.Tel debtor default listings dropped from credit records because of inaccuracy
23/8/04 One.Tel in Liquidation has had 65,000 customer default listings dropped from credit records after the Office of the Privacy Commissioner found that the failed telecommunications company did not have systems in place to update customer credit default listings once a debt had been paid. "Inaccurate credit records can sto...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner outlines consultation process for review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act
20/8/04 The Federal Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis has today released details of the consultation process for the recently announced review of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act. This will involve the release of an issues paper and a two month period of consultation including the opportunity for people to make submissions...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner to review the operation of the private sector provisions
13/8/04 The Attorney General has asked the Privacy Commissioner to review the operation of the private sector provisions of the Privacy Act 1998. The provisions apply to the handling of personal information by many private sector organisations. The Commissioner has been asked to report by 31 March 2005. "I welcome the opportunity to...
Media Release: Privacy website initiatives break down information barriers
28/7/04 Two new website initiatives that make it easier to know about privacy rights were launched today by the Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis. The Office of the Privacy Commissioners website now includes multilingual web pages that make information about privacy rights available in 11 languages. It also has a new onl...
Announcement: Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Publishes New Case Notes
23/6/04 Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim today released nine new case notes. "Issuing case notes like these is one of a number of measures the Office continues to develop to assist people in understanding how both the Privacy Act and the Office operate. These case notes provide important guidance about what the Commiss...
Media Release: A privacy first as Federal Court stops privacy breach
27/5/04 In a first for Australia, an organisation has successfully used section 98 of the federal Privacy Act to ask the Federal Court to stop an alleged privacy breach. "The Office will take a look at the decision handed down on 21 May 2004 by Justice Gyles, in the case of Seven Network (Operations) Limited v Media Entertainment an...
Announcement: Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes amended case note 4 for 2004
27/05/04 The Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim has today re-published case note 4 regarding disclosure of personal information within a Commonwealth Government agency. InX v Commonwealth Agency [2004] PrivCmrA 4, the complainant alleged that the agencys employee disclosed to the complainants ex-partner that the com...
Media Release: Company Director's Guide to Enhance Privacy
7/5/04 "The company directors guide to privacy, launched today, will assist directors to oversee the implementation of efficient and responsible privacy procedures that have the potential to enhance customer trust and loyalty," said Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim. "A Guide for Directors - Privacy and Boards: Wha...
Media Release: Tenancy database operator breaches the Privacy Act
19/4/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has issued four complaint determinations that enhance tenants privacy rights by ensuring that records about their tenancy history are accurate, up to date and can be accessed for a reasonable fee. "Having a home is a very fundamental right and therefore its very important that all ten...
Media Release: Timothy Pilgrim appointed as Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner
19/4/04 Malcolm Crompton today welcomed the appointment by the Government of an Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner pending the appointment of a new Commissioner. From 20 April, Timothy Pilgrim will commence as Acting Federal Privacy Commissioner. He is currently the Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner. Mr Crompton completes...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner welcomes Mental Health Coalition's Privacy Kit
6/4/04Federal 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,...
Media Release: We must get identification management right to avoid losing our privacy
31/3/04 "Identity management is the topic that government and business need to get right if we are all to live in a free, open and safe society," said Malcolm Crompton, Federal privacy Commissioner. "The time is right to have an open debate about identity management." "This is particularly urgent because there are currently a very larg...
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case note 3 for 2004
24/03/04 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case note 3 regarding the disclosure of personal information, between financial institutions, collected prior to commencement of the National Privacy Principles. In H v Financial Institution A and B [2004] PrivCmrA 3 the complainant alleged that there ha...
Announcement: Commissioner encourages individuals to enter international privacy paper writing competition
19/03/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton is urging individuals interested in privacy to submit a paper about privacy to an international competition that will earn the winner(s) $US 3,000 cash and the opportunity to present the paper at the 26th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners. "...
Media Release: Commissioner to speak about his 5 years as federal privacy regulator
16/3/04 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, will deliver three key speeches in March (in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra) before he leaves his role as Australias national privacy regulator. SYDNEY: 30/3/04 Speech title:Proof of Identity required? Getting identity management right In his Sydney speech, the Commissioner will exp...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner welcomes release of employee privacy discussion paper
18/02/04 "The release of the governments discussion paper on information privacy and employee records is a welcome development in this area," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "There needs to be discussion and debate about privacy protection for employee records. The Privacy Act does not currently cover employee r...
Media Release: Ticketmaster7 privacy errors highlight industry wide problem
12/2/04 "I am disappointed that businesses, covered by the Privacy Act for over 2 years, are still making fundamental errors," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Some businesses have continued to run web sites that allow anybody to view other customers personal information by changing numbers in the URL (web site...
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 1 and 2 for 2004
16/1/04The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case notes 1 and 2 regarding the use of personal information by an insurance company and a large retail outlet. In N v Private Insurer [2004] PrivCmrA 1 the complainant raised concerns that an organisation had unnecessarily collected personal information durin...
2003
Media Release: World's Privacy Regulators call for privacy friendly RFID tags
9/12/03 "Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have great potential. They can help companies greatly improve the way they manage the supply of their products and so save consumers a lot of money. But they also have equal potential to invade personal privacy if deployed wrongly." The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, m...
Media Release: No Sympathy for piracy or privacy bandits
20/11/03 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Mr Malcolm Crompton today called on software pirates and the digital industry to stop claiming "foul play" against each other, when the reality is that each is disregarding the rights of the other. While expressing great sympathy with those trying to protect IP in the online e...
Announcement: Inquiry into Residential Tenancy Databases
19/11/2003 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has welcomed the release of an Issues Paper on the operation of Residential Tenancy Databases in Australia. Residential Tenancy Databases (RTDs) are privately owned, electronic databases that collect information on tenants to assist property managers and landlords assess ri...
Media Release: Respect customers' wishes when considering the transfer of personal financial information
8/10/03 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has today released a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) regarding the privacy obligations that financial advisors have when they choose to transfer between financial dealer groups. "Customers wishes must come first when financial advisers consider what to do with clients personal information whe...
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes 10 and 11
22/9/03 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released case notes 10 and 11 regarding the use of personal information by Commonwealth agencies. In L v Commonwealth Agency [2003] PrivCmrA 10, the complainant raised concerns relating to the security of his personal information held by the agency. The complaina...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner not to seek re-appointment
18/9/03 "After much reflection over the last few months, I have decided not to seek re-appointment when my term as Commissioner expires in April next year," announced the Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. In a constantly evolving area of law like privacy protection, the regulator has substantial discretion in its implementat...
Media Release: Global privacy resolutions benefit consumers and organisations
17/9/03 "I am very pleased to see global agreement on a resolution to improve the communication of privacy information to individuals," said Australias Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. In Sydney, last Friday, the worlds accredited Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners adopted a resolution setting out the basics of a con...
Announcement: Resolution on improving the communication of data protection and privacy information practices
25th International Conference of Data Protection & Privacy Commissioners Sydney, 12 September 2003 This resolution was adopted on Friday 12 September 2003 Proposer: Privacy Commissioner, Australia Co-sponsors: Commissioner for Data Protection and Access to Information, Brandenberg, Germany; Commission National...
Media Release: Privacy statements get simpler
9/9/03 "I am committed to making sure that the days of long-winded and confusing privacy statements that most consumers ignore are numbered," said Mr Malcolm Crompton, Privacy Commissioner. The Commissioner made his comments while putting the finishing touches on a draft resolution to improve privacy notices that will be debated on Septe...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner approves market research code
27/08/03 "Today marks the launch of Australias third private sector privacy code, under the federal Privacy Act 1988," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "I am pleased to announce that I have approved the Market and Social Research Privacy Code under section18BB of the Privacy Act 1988." he said. "The Code...
Media Release: Privacy Act and photos in nursing homes
27/08/2003 Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim is concerned to hear media reports claiming that some nursing homes have decided to remove the names and photographs of nursing home residents from their doors. "The federal Privacy Act is about respect, courtesy and common sense," said Mr Pilgrim. "The Act does not prevent n...
Media Release: International Privacy Experts to Meet in Sydney
26/8/03 The worlds leading privacy experts will gather in Sydney, on 10-12 September 2003 for the 25th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners. Hosted by Australias Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, this is the premier international privacy event for 2003 and it is being held in Australia for the first...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner negotiates change in the debt collection practices of Alliance Factoring
4/07/2003 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, announced today that following discussions between his Office and Alliance Factoring that the company has agreed to change its debt collection practices. From now on, people who receive letters of demand from Alliance Factoring, requesting payment of an outstanding debt, will...
Announcement: Federal Privacy Commissioner publishes latest case notes
30/6/03 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has today released five privacy complaint case notes that deal mainly with consumer credit reporting issues. In G v Credit Provider [2003] PrivCmrA 5, the complainant disputed a default that was listed on their credit file. As a result of investigations by the Office, the...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner comments on debt collection practices
10 June 2003 "I am aware that many people are concerned about the processes used by Alliance Factoring when attempting to recover debts that the company bought, last year, from Telstra," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "From what we have seen, it appears that Alliance Factoring has sent out letters to people asking t...
Media Release: Protection of Human Genetic Information - Report released
29 May 2003 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today welcomed the launch of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) and the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) Joint Inquiry Report: Essentially Yours: The Protection of Human Genetic Information in Australia by the Commonwealth Attorney-General and Minister for Health a...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner farewells NSW Privacy Commissioner
16 may 2003 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today acknowledged the contribution made by Chris Puplick as New South Wales Privacy Commissioner. Mr Puplick is resigning as NSW Privacy Commissioner today. "Mr Puplick has worked hard to help build privacy protections for NSW citizens, and has made significant contributions...
Media Release: Report on Forensic procedures & DNA materials tabled
15 May 2003 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, today welcomed the Governments tabling of the independent review into the use and sharing of DNA material for law enforcement purposes (detailed report below). Mr Crompton and Professor McMillan said "we look forw...
Announcements: Privacy and the NOIE Spam Report
16 April 2003 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, has welcomed the release of the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) Final report of the NOIE review of the spam problem and how it can be countered. "The NOIE Report proposes some good solutions that will help reduce the spam problem," Mr Crompton said. "Spam poses a...
Media Release: Case Notes Shed Light on Financial Information Handling
26 March 2003 "Most businesses are keen to do the right thing when we begin to investigate allegations of privacy breaches by them," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. The Commissioners comments came during the release of case notes that summarise his investigations into two privacy complaints involving peoples financ...
Media Release: Publicly Available Information Advice - Information Sheet 17
20 March 2003 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner today published the latest of its advisory Information Sheets to assist business in its implementation of the Privacy Act - Information Sheet 17- 2003 Privacy and Personal Information that is Publicly Available. "Information Sheet 17 gives helpful and practical advice to organisati...
Media Release: Credit Determinations
February 24 2003 The Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, today announced the gazettal of the Privacy Commissioner''s credit determination: Determination 2003 No 1 Privacy Act 1988, s.11B(1)(b)(v)(B) - Concerning Classes of Credit Providers This determination will be in effect for three years. "There is no change in...
2002
Media Release: Defending your privacy
December 19 2002 "Australians privacy rights are about to be extended to include personal information held by small businesses that trade in personal information, do contract work for commonwealth government or are related to a business with a turn over of $3 million or more," said Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton. "On...
Media Release: The Source web site privacy investigation concluded
29 November 2002 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has concluded an investigation into The Source web site finding that the Privacy Act was breached by the Department of Family and Community Services, which manages the site. The breaches have now been adequately addressed by the Department and measures are now in place to prevent simi...
Media Release: Privacy advice for health consumers
November 25 2002 A new health information privacy brochure, released today by the Federal Privacy Commissioner, clarifies Australians privacy rights when it comes to their personal health information. "More than 1000 people have called my office in the last five months to enquire about health information and privacy," said Federal P...
Media Release: Privacy countdown for small business
29 October 2002 "The small business countdown is on" said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "In 8 weeks time, on 21 December 2002, more small businesses will be covered by the federal Privacy Act. Those businesses covered by the Act should have their privacy policies and practices in place by that date," said Federal Privacy Com...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner advises on due diligence
28 October 2002 "Business has asked me for advice on how the Privacy Act applies to personal information handled in the due diligence process. In some cases, this can involve disclosure and collection of substantial amounts of personal information. This Information Sheet answers the key privacy questions and gives businesses useful tips th...
Media Release: Good privacy doesn't mean job losses
25 September 2002 "Claims by the Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) that changes to the Privacy Act will cost the direct marketing industry more than 220,000 jobs are ridiculous," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Contrary to ADMAs claims, there are no plans afoot to change the law and ADMA has supported th...
Media Release: New Privacy Advisory Committee members appointed
18 September 2002 "I welcome the Attorney-Generals announcement of the appointment of three new members to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC). I look forward very much to working with them", said Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton. "The PAC provides strategic advice on privacy from a broad range of perspectives. Community, in...
Media Release: Access to Publicly Available Information
4 September 2002 "The Privacy Act does not prevent organisations from using the white pages or other public sources of information, rather it is intended to make the collection more transparent to the community at large", said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Privacy Commissioner in response to a press release put out by the Fundraising Institute A...
Media Release: Telstra Database Mistake
12 August 2002 Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim made the following announcement on 12 August 2002: "Telstras publishing of the silent numbers of some of their customers is a serious privacy issue, particularly for those people who have requested a silent number for security reasons. "While I welcome Telstras early a...
Media Release: Guilty until proven innocent
9 August 2002 "DNA testing all children at birth and storing this sensitive data on a criminal database has the very real potential to undermine our civil liberties by eroding our privacy and implying that we are all guilty until proven innocent," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "In the current environment there...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner approves Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code
9 August 2002 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has approved the Queensland Club Industry Privacy Code, making it the second private sector privacy code approved in Australia by the Commissioner following an extension of his powers on 21 December 2001. "The development of the privacy code by Clubs Queensland demonstrates its commitme...
Media Release: Privacy law doesn't risk lives
7 August 2002 "A recent media article stating that Privacy laws risk lives is inaccurate. Under the Privacy Act if a genetic test is conducted on an individual, then they have a right to know the results of the test," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "The situation is less clear over the question of whether the test re...
Media Release: Seeking comment on first Privacy Act determination for private sector
24 June 2002 "As I promised in February this year, my Office is working to ensure that taking family medical histories as a part of providing health care is permitted under the Privacy Act 1988" said Mr Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "To that end, I am inviting public comment on ACHA Healths application for a Public Interest Deter...
Media Release: Australians exercise privacy choice
20 June 2002 "Its clear Australians have made an active decision about their privacy when choosing whether they wanted to be involved in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Centenary of Federation Time Capsule Project," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "The Federal Privacy Act is about putting people in co...
Media Release: Consumers rush Commissioner's hotline
20 June 2002 "Consumers are signalling to businesses that privacy is important and needs to be respected as they have rushed to call my Offices hotline during the first six months of the implementation of changes to the Federal Privacy Act," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Since 21 December 2001, when changes t...
Announcement: Formal Investigation into Federal Government Web Site Commenced
12 June 2002 "We are aware of allegations that a federal government web site*, designed for young people, may have spammed users as part of two competitions it was running. I have commenced a formal investigation into the matter to determine if the Privacy Act has been breached," said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner....
Announcement: Transurban privacy review completed
24 May 2002 "From the evidence available, it appears that the activities of an ex-employee of Transurban resulted in the disclosure of customer information to people outside of the organisation," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "As a result of the disclosure, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner conducted a review of T...
Announcement: Bundled consents and the Privacy Act
23 May 2002 "Bundled consents are not good privacy or business practices and are totally contrary to the spirit of the Privacy Act", said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "Consent for the collection, use and disclosure of ones personal information should always be given freely and voluntarily. It should not be conditi...
Announcement: Privacy and Passport Initiatives
21 May 2002 "As with most technology, the use of a biometric identifier on a passport is not inherently privacy invasive. Its the implementation of the biometric identifier that will determine if it is privacy enhancing or invasive," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Biometrics are powerful tools that also can go...
Announcement: Privacy Act and Employee Records Exemption
21 May 2002 The Privacy Act contains an exemption for some employee records, on the grounds that such matters are covered by workplace relations law and practice. However, this exemption is limited to acts and practices directly related to current and former employment relationships. It is not clear that the mooted confidentiality c...
Announcement: Public prayers and the Privacy Act
10 May 2002 Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim said" the Privacy Act is about organisations working within peoples expectations of what will happen with their personal information." "Many of the current practices in relation to public prayers or printing of personal information in church newsletters will be within peoples...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner approves Australia's first Privacy Act privacy code
17 April 2002 Australia?s first private sector privacy code, under the Federal Privacy Act 1988, was today approved by Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "I am pleased to announce that I have approved the General Insurance Information Privacy Code under section18BB of the Privacy Act 1988. The Code was submit...
Media Release: Regulators Co-Operate to Improve Privacy Compliance
12 March 2002 JOINT STATEMENT - AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION AND THE OFFICE OF THE PRIVACY COMMISSIONER A memorandum of understanding to facilitate cooperation and coordination between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Office of the Privacy Commission was signed today. ACCC C...
Media Release: School Student Reports
20 February 2002 The Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, comments on inaccurate media reports that private school students can stop schools from releasing their school reports to their parents. The Commissioner said "in most cases, it is reasonable for schools to release school reports to parents. Information on a...
Media Release: Privacy Solutions for Doctors
14 February 2002 "I am currently working with private sector health providers and consumer groups to ensure that taking family medical histories as a part of medical treatments is properly authorised under the Privacy Act 1988" said Mr Crompton, Privacy Commissioner, as he announced receipt of an application for a Public Interest D...
2001
Media Release: Public Key Infrastructure Guidelines
24 December 2001 "I am pleased to announce the release of Privacy and Public Key Infrastructure: Guidelines for Agencies using PKI to communicate or transact with individuals" said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "These guidelines will assist government agencies in addressing privacy issues when implementing Public Key In...
Media Release: Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector
3/10/2001 Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today released the finalised Guidelines on Privacy in the Private Health Sector. Mr Crompton said, "The Guidelines will help health service providers better fulfil their obligations under the amended Privacy Act (that comes in force on 21 December 2001). The Guidelines clarify the privacy righ...
Media Release: Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles released
17/9/2001 "Today, I am announcing the early release of the finalised Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "This document should assist business get up to speed to meet the legislated requirements of the National Privacy Principles as established by the Privacy Act, and help organ...
Media Release: Sickie web site not cleared by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
30/8/2001 "Reports, earlier today, that my Office has cleared the privacy practices of Wayne and Dianas Employment Web Site are incorrect. My Office has not cleared the web site," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton. "Changes to the federal Privacy Act that extends its coverage to private sector organisations come into force on 21 Dec...
Media Release: Less than 100% compliance: not acceptable!
20/8/2001 "Nearly one third of Commonwealth websites still fail to meet the baseline requirement of displaying a privacy statement. For government agencies, anything less than 100% compliance is not acceptable," said the Privacy Commissioner. "The results of the websites audit are overall disappointing," said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Mal...
Media Release: None of your business!
31/7/2001 " Its none of their business, thats what survey respondents said when they were asked why they didnt want to provide organisations with different types of their personal information" said the Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton today. He was launching three major pieces of research commissioned by his Office on...
Media Release: Australians to deal with government securely online (PKI issues)
12/6/2001 "There are significant privacy issues for government agencies to address in implementing Public Key Infrastructures", said Timothy Pilgrim, Deputy Privacy Commissioner as he issued the Offices consultation paper "Privacy Issues in the Use of Public Key Infrastructure for Individuals" for public comment. The Office has wor...
Media Release: Right of access to health information - a legal first!
14/5/2001 "Every Australian will have a right of access to their health information on 21 December 2001. They will also have the right to correct inaccuracies on their records," said Malcolm Crompton, Privacy Commissioner, today as he released the Draft Health Privacy Guidelines for public comment. "Consumer choice and control over...
Media Release: New Consumer rights change business practice forever
7/5/2001 "New privacy rights for consumers will change business practices forever," said Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today as he released Draft National Privacy Principles Guidelines for public comment. "The consumer is about to find out more about their new privacy rights, and Im here to make sure these rights are prote...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Research
2/5/2001 …the part that I dont like is that you dont know who has got the information and what they are doing with that information or who they are passing it onto. I think my information shouldnt go any further than the company I give it to… Respondent to OFPC research"Australians care deeply about their privacy" said the Federal Pr...
Media Release: Privacy Codes give competitive edge
9/4/2001 Co-regulation is the key to flexibility in the amended privacy legislation. To enable organisations to take advantage of this flexibility the Privacy Commissioner today released the Draft Code Development Guidelines. (Please note: comments required by 15 June 2001) "I want to know what business and community believe should be...
Media Release: Deputy Federal Privacy Commissioner concludes Harts Investigation
12/2/2001 The Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Mr Timothy Pilgrim, today announced the results of his investigation into the disclosure of personal information by Harts Australasia. "I have concluded my investigation and found that Harts did breach the Privacy Act," said Mr Pilgrim. "I am pleased to advise that, by way of resolution...
2000
Media Release: Building a Culture that Respects Privacy: new private sector privacy
6 December 2000 The newly strengthened Privacy Act delivers a clear message to private sector organisations that its time to adopt practices that protect the personal information of Australians, Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton said today. "The Privacy Act will give Australians greater control over the use of their personal...
Media Release: PKI - Making sure it works for privacy
1/12/2000 PKI - Making sure it works for privacy The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has responded to government moves to use Public Key Infrastructures (PKI) by announcing its intention to issue guidelines on appropriate use of these technologies. The Office will be working with the National Office for the Information Economy on th...
Media Release: Investigation of GST-Assist Breach Concluded
16/10/2000 Investigation of GST-Assist Breach Concluded The Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton, today confirmed that the absence of appropriate security measures in the Treasury Departments GST-Assist website, prior to 29 June 2000 was a breach of the Federal Privacy Act. The GST-Assist website was developed to provide an elect...
Media Release: Gene Technology Inquiry is an opportunity to get privacy right
Media Release 9/8/2000 Gene Technology Inquiry is an opportunity to get privacy right Safeguarding privacy of personal health information will be essential if the community is to gain the benefits from adoption of new gene technologies in the treatment of medical conditions. The Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton, applauded...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Concludes Investigations into AEC
Media Release 5/7/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner Concludes Investigations into AEC Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton has concluded his investigation into the Australian Electoral Commissions (AEC) disclosure of elector data to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The Federal Privacy Commissioner found that there was no legal b...
Media Release: A New Era for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Media Release 30/6/2000 A New Era for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner The Office of the Privacy Commissioner will separate from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) from 1 July 2000. A member of HREOC since 1989, the separation of the privacy office will provide an opportunity to build on the hu...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes today's announcement on ABN privacy
Media Release 20/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes todays announcement on ABN privacy solutions Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said "I welcome the recent announcement by the Government that it will move to amend the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 2000 to improve privacy protections for informat...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Welcomes New Privacy Committee of South Australia
Media Release 9/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner Welcomes New Privacy Committee of South Australia Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton attended the first meeting of the new Privacy Committee of South Australia in Adelaide today. Mr Crompton told the committee: "In a climate of globalisation and rapid growth in new te...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner and Taxation Office agree on outcomes of further discussions on ABN
Media Release 8/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner and Taxation Office agree on outcomes of further discussions on ABN Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said, said "following further discussions with Taxation officials, yesterday, I am satisfied that the undertakings given to me adequately address my concerns regarding the disclosu...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner notes Federal Attorney-General's media release
Media Release 8/6/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner notes Federal Attorney-Generals media release regarding use of electoral roll by Commonwealth Government agencies Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said, "I note that the Federal Attorney-General has issued a media release, today, regarding the use of the electoral...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on ABN debate
2 June 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on ABN debate Media reports that I am currently conducting an investigation into the sale of details associated with the Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) are incorrect. My Office has been holding discussions with the Australian Taxation Office on this issue to discus...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on private sector
12 April 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on private sector privacy legislation Privacy is a fundamental human right that needs to be respected in a modern democracy. It is for this reason that I welcome the Governments move to extend privacy legislation to the private sector. It is timely that the Governmen...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner's Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing
30 March 2000 Federal Privacy Commissioners Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing and Privacy "No surprises is the key to a successful e-mail and web browsing policy in the workplace," said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner, during the launch of his Offices Guidelines on Workplace E-mail, Web Browsing and Privacy, by the Federal...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner's future direction
30/3/2000 "Technology doesnt have to be pitted against privacy, said Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton during the launch of his Offices strategic plan, today. "Australians have taken up new technologies, like mobile phones and the Internet, with great enthusiasm and we appreciate the benefits they offer. However, new technolo...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on legislation
17/2/2000 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on legislation to establish independent Privacy Commissioners Office "I welcome the introduction of the separation legislation and look forward to working through the many privacy challenges ahead." "The separation arrangemen...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton comments on DoubleClick
11/2/2000 "Internet users are very concerned about their activities on the net being tracked." "A Roy Morgan survey, published in August 99, found that "The majority of Australians (56 percent) are worried about invasion of privacy issues created by new information technologies..." "To its credit, DoubleClick doe...
1999
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes the release of the Government's key provisions of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill
14/12/1999 Following the release, today, of the Governments key provisions of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill, the Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton said "I welcome the release of the provisions and I look forward to examining them in detail." "I encourage everyone who is interested in the legislation to mak...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, comments on privacy and databases
2/12/1999 Numerous surveys show people in Australia and internationally feel uneasy about the impact of new technologies on an individual''s privacy. A Roy Morgan survey, published in August 1999, found that "the majority of Australians (56 percent) are worried about invasion of privacy issues created by new information technologies....
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner responds to privacy concerns raised by Australia Post's Australian Family Lifestyle Survey
12/11/1999 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today responded to privacy concerns raised about the latest Australian Family Lifestyle Survey. "It is important that consumers are aware that filling in the survey is not compulsory", said Commissioner Crompton. "This is pointed out in the survey." "Some people seem...
Media Release: Privacy Commissioner welcomes attention to privacy issues in Health Online
4/11/1999 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today welcomed the recognition of the importance of personal privacy in proposals for a national plan of action for information management in the health sector. "All of us have a vested interest in better management of our health information," said Commissioner Crompton. "It is wid...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner Comments on Privacy and the Media
20/10/1999 It is clear from recent articles and editorials that the Australian media are uncomfortable with the Federal Governments proposal to extend privacy legislation to the private sector and that they see it as a potential blocker to free speech and freedom of the media. It is important that we all have a measure of control ov...
Media Release: Privacy and the media
20/10/1999 The right to privacy and the publics right to know are often cast as opposites but both are vital in a modern democracy. Freedom of the media is essential in maintaining an informed, confident and prosperous nation. A right to privacy is essential in preserving our dignity. Contrary to recent media reports, privacy is no...
Media Release: Federal Privacy Commissioner issues Guidelines for Federal and ACT Government World Wide Websites
13/5/1999 Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton, today released Guidelines for Federal and ACT Government World Wide Websites. Mr Crompton said "the Guidelines will help Government agency websites achieve worlds best practice in relation to on-line privacy protection." "The Guidelines are designed to help Federal and ACT G...
Media Release: Human Rights Commission welcomes appointment of new Privacy Commissioner
13/3/1999 Professor Alice Tay, President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, today (31 March 1999) welcomed the appointment of Malcolm Crompton as the new Federal Privacy Commissioner. "I am delighted to hear of Mr Cromptons appointment and I extend to him a warm welcome," Professor Tay said. "Mr Crompton brings with...
Media Release: National Principles for the Fair Handling of Personal Information (revised edition, January 1999)
January 1999 The Privacy Commissioner has released a revised version of the The National Principles for the Fair Handling of Personal Information , originally issued in February 1998. The Commissioner noted then that they would need to be reviewed within six to twelve months in the light of discussions on implementation and in response to any is...
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