Media Release: Medicare Australia wins Grand Award for privacy

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27 August 2008

Medicare Australia was named tonight as the winner of the Grand Award in the inaugural Australian Privacy Awards program.

"Medicare Australia’s nomination was outstanding, showing how the agency has integrated good privacy practices into all areas of its operations," said Karen Curtis, the Australian Privacy Commissioner.

The Award was presented by Senator the Hon John Faulkner, Special Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary, at a gala dinner held in Sydney.

Medicare's privacy initiatives are underpinned by a Chief Executive Instruction about privacy obligations.

The agency has implemented policies related to privacy, privacy impact assessments, processes for monitoring access and responding to complaints, and the release of information processes and procedures.

The agency conducts regular training of staff in the collection and handling of personal information, and engages in a wide range of activities to ensure privacy compliance.

Medicare’s annual surveys have shown that staff consistently rate privacy as an important issue. Community surveys also show a high level of satisfaction in Medicare's privacy protections.

"Medicare's dedication to protecting the privacy of its customers is a model for other government agencies and for the Australian marketplace as a whole," Ms Curtis said.

Category winners of the Australian Privacy Awards included: Telstra (Large Business Award), Australian Dental Association NSW Branch (Community & NGO Award), Child Support Agency (Symantec Government Award), and Data Solutions Australia (Microsoft Small-Medium Business Award). High Court Judge Michael Kirby was named as the recipient of the Australian Privacy Medal.