Media Release: Businesses urged to review privacy practices

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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 stakeholders," Ms Curtis said.

"Privacy Awareness Week is a timely reminder for businesses to review their privacy obligations and to implement good privacy practices.

"Even small businesses, who may not fall under the Privacy Act, can adopt key measures to ensure that the personal information of their customers is safeguarded.

"They can also 'opt in' to coverage under the Privacy Act to help build their business' reputation."

The Privacy Act covers the way in which businesses collect, store, use and disclose personal information, as well as the need for information to be kept up-to-date, stored securely, and destroyed when no longer needed. More information can be found at www.privacy.gov.au.

Ms Curtis has also recommended that members of the public familiarise themselves with their privacy rights.

"Privacy should never be taken for granted: if you believe that your privacy has been breached in your dealings with agencies or organisations, contact my Office for advice," Ms Curtis said.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner's Enquiries Line is 1300 363 992. If your first language is not English you can use an interpreter from the Translating and Interpreting Service (phone 131 450) to assist communication with us.

The Office's website is www.privacy.gov.au. It contains information in Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Korean, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.