Media announcement: Privacy Commissioner comments on the health and welfare access card system

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"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 the system design of the access card and registration process, rather than trying to 'bolt' these on later.

"In a system that covers most Australians there are inherent privacy risks and therefore strategies should be put in place to minimise those risks.

"I encourage the Government to give close consideration to privacy issues and undertake privacy impact assessments as the proposal is progressed.

"While I acknowledge and welcome the Government's statement that the access card will have limited cardholder information on it and that that information will be subject to strict protections and only accessible by authorised people, it will be important to ensure that as the proposal is developed the uses and safeguards are clearly identified and legislated. This will help to ensure that the Government's intention that this not be a national identity card is met.

"I am encouraged by the Government's commitment to consult widely. Consultation with all stakeholders including the community, state and territory governments and the private sector is important.

"I look forward to providing advice to Government on the implementation of the access card to ensure the privacy and security of individual's personal information," said Ms Curtis.