Senator NEWMAN (Minister for Social Security and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women)(10.39 a.m.) —I had given an indication to senators that I would put on the public record during the course of this debate the commitment to privacy, which I think is of concern to us all. Would it be appropriate if I did that now before we moved to the next amendment?

Senator Faulkner —I assumed that we might raise this in relation to the consequential amendments bill, but it is a matter for you.

Senator NEWMAN —If you choose; I do not mind.

Senator Faulkner —I assume your comments are relevant to the next bill.

Senator NEWMAN —They are across the board.

Senator Faulkner —I am relaxed.

Senator NEWMAN —If I do it now, it must be taken to be in relation to the main bill and also to the consequential amendments bill. The secretary to the Department of Social Security told the Senate Community Affairs Committee that the department had been involved in consultations with the Privacy Commissioner in relation to any privacy issues arising from both the agency bill and the consequential amendments bill. The end result of those consultations is that the Privacy Commissioner has written to the secretary to the department indicating that she has no objection to the bills proceeding in their current form.

As part of the consultation process, however, I have agreed to make a public commitment on the privacy issue, and I am happy to give such a commitment. The government has consistently stressed that the existing privacy regime, including the Privacy Act, will apply to the Services Delivery Agency and there will be no diminution in the protection that the Privacy Act and the confidentiality provisions of the Social Security Act, for example, affords to customers of the agency. While the agency will be subject to the Privacy Act, I want to ensure that the bringing together of the functions of several departments fully complies with the principles underlying the Privacy Act.

I intend that the agency and the departments involved will consult with the Privacy Commissioner in the development of guidelines. I will subsequently direct the board of the agency to follow these guidelines. The consultations with the Privacy Commissioner will include consideration of: firstly, client registration and record-keeping systems, including the use of any identification numbers and any common core client information; secondly, flows of personal information between the agency and other departments, responsibility for that information and access privileges; and, thirdly, processes for consideration of the privacy implications of the addition of any new functions which may be given to the agency in future.

As I have already indicated, I am happy to make this commitment, which demonstrates the government's clear intention that the establishment of the agency will involve no diminution of the current privacy regime.