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Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Page: 10933

Mr HOCKEY (North Sydney) (23:35): I move opposition amendment (9) circulated in my name:

(9) Schedule 1, item 16, page 13 (lines 1 to 7), omit section 64M, substitute:

64M Disclosure of personal information

A requirement to publish under this Division does not authorise the disclosure of personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988 ) without the consent of the individual concerned.

This amendment relates to information-gathering powers and secrecy. In particular, I move to omit proposed section 64M and substitute a new 64M. This provides that a requirement to publicly release information does not authorise the disclosure of personal information without the consent of the individual concerned. This will protect the privacy of individuals. It is possible that, in meeting requests for information or policy costings or in the performance of its other duties, the PBO will be required to access information of a personal nature. It is important that the rights of individuals to maintain the confidentiality of their private details be protected.

Question put.

The House divided. [23:41]

(The Speaker—Mr Harry Jenkins)

Question negatived.