Media release: Access Card consultations will allow remaining privacy concerns to be aired, says Privacy Commissioner

View printable version of this page

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 Card's privacy safeguards to be thoroughly examined," Ms Curtis said.

Ms Curtis indicated that the draft legislation incorporates responses to a number of concerns raised earlier in the year. However, her Office will examine the legislation in detail and make constructive comment to ensure that the privacy of Australians is appropriately addressed in the Access Card system.

"It is important that the Card's privacy safeguards align with community expectations of how their information will be handled," Ms Curtis said.

The Office's past submissions and media releases on the Card can be viewed at:

• http://www.privacy.gov.au/news/access-card.html

For media enquiries, contact 0407 663 968.