FOREWORD
The Committee received this reference in May 1998 and held public hearings
in July and August, with the intention of completing a report later in
August. However, because of changes to the sitting pattern, followed by
the election in October 1998, it was not possible for the Committee to
meet until the end of November 1998 when Committee Chairs were elected.
The draft report on this inquiry was given to the Committee on 7th December
1998, shortly before the Senate adjourned for the Christmas break.
The Committee notes that there have been changes in the area of privacy
protection since the time the report was circulated for consideration,
including the Government's proposed development of legislation for the
private sector, agreements regarding electronic commerce, and the issuing
of a revised version of the National Principles for the Fair Handling
of Personal Information in January 1999. While these developments
may go some way to meeting criticisms of the Government's approach which
have been outlined in the report, the Committee does not consider it appropriate
to comment further. The report therefore reflects the Committee's opinion
as at early December 1998.
Senator J. McKiernan
Chair
March 1999