Media Release: Privacy Commissioner to review the operation of the private sector provisions
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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 review the operation of the private sector provisions of the Act which have been in place for almost 3 years" said Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis.
The Commissioner will examine the impact of the legislation on the community and the private sector. The review will consider if the legislation has achieved its goal of creating a comprehensive national scheme for the private sector that regulates how organisations collect, use, store, disclose and transfer individuals' personal information.
"The review will assess whether the provisions provide appropriate protection of individuals' privacy while allowing a balance to be struck with competing human rights and social interests including the general desirability of a free flow of information and the right of business to achieve its objectives efficiently" said the Commissioner.
The review will also consider the extent to which the legislation meets international concerns and Australia's international obligations relating to privacy.
The Commissioner stated that the Office of the Privacy Commissioner will be consulting widely and strongly encouraged participation by all stakeholders. "This is a chance to let the Office know how the private sector provisions are working and what the effects on community and businesses have been" said Karen Curtis.
The Attorney General has issued a media release that includes the terms of reference of the review which can be found at:
The Commissioner will announce the details and process for the review shortly.
Media contact : 0408 484 759
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