The Privacy Act:

The Federal Privacy Act became law on 1 January 1989 and is binding upon all Commonwealth agencies, including Comcare Australia. Its purpose is to protect the rights of individuals regarding the way information about them is collected, stored, used and disclosed.

The Act regulates:

• The way information is requested and collected.

• The type of information an Agency can request.

• The way information is stored.

• The uses an Agency can make of information held.

• The quality of information an Agency uses (ie. is it up to date and accurate and relevant to the purpose for which it was collected?)

• The release of information to others.

• The individuals right of access to his or her own records.