Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes today's announcement on ABN privacy

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20/6/2000

Federal Privacy Commissioner welcomes today's 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 information associated with the Australian Business Number (ABN)."

"The proposed amendments will limit the amount of personal information available on the Australian Business Register (ABR) that can be made public. Street and email addresses will remain private. Individuals will also be able to request that some or all of their ABN information not be disclosed.

"Implementation is always a key issue during changes to legislation and I will closely monitor the implementation of the amendments by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

"The package of measures negotiated with the ATO, including the amendments to the legislation and the administrative changes that the ATO has pledged to implement, provide a workable framework for the protection of personal privacy.

"As mentioned in previous media releases*, on 5 and 8 June 2000, the ATO will amend the information appearing on both the paper and electronic ABN applications and accompanying guides, to give a clearer indication of those agencies or organisations that the ATO usually discloses information to. The amended applications will also include a statement advising individuals that they can seek to have some or all of their information not made public.

"The ATO has also agreed that it will consult with my Office in relation to any future bulk release of personal information from the ABR. They will also involve my Office during the development of guidelines should any future bulk release of information be necessary.

"I am pleased that the ATO will also conduct an information campaign to advise the public of the changes to the ABN legislation.

"The on-going discussions, between my Office and the ATO, about this issue have produced a good outcome for the privacy of all Australians who hold an ABN. It is clear that Australians are concerned about privacy and I welcome further discussion about the issue especially during the debate over the extension of the Privacy Act to the private sector."

*Media releases are available @ http://www.privacy.gov.au/news/index.html

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