39/2010
16 July 2010
Cabinet Secretary, Senator Joe Ludwig, today welcomed the start of an international agreement between Australia and other members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation that will enhance global cooperation on privacy enforcement.
The APEC Cross-Border Privacy Enforcement Arrangement will enable the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to give and obtain assistance from foreign privacy enforcement authorities to resolve complaints against overseas companies.
“The Government’s proposed Australian Privacy Principles include a principle dealing with cross-border disclosures of personal information.”
“This is the first part of a package of significant reforms to Australia’s Privacy Act that will be referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee for consultation and report.”
“The APEC Arrangement will enhance these reforms by making it possible for privacy enforcement authorities to call upon their international colleagues for assistance.”
Participants in the APEC Arrangement include the Australian Office of the Privacy Commissioner, the United States Federal Trade Commission and the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Other authorities in APEC member economies are preparing to join as participants.
“Australia has been closely involved in the development and implementation of the APEC Arrangement, and I am pleased to see this hard work come to completion.”
The APEC Arrangement will come into effect on 16 July 2010.
The APEC Arrangement and explanatory information is available at www.apec.org.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Sarah McSporran — 0423 823 843 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |