Additional comments by the Australian Democrats

1.1        The Democrats have often expressed concern about privacy incursions in recent years in the name of combating terrorism, particularly in the absence of assessments as to the impact of these changes and a comprehensive legislative framework to provide privacy protection for Australians.

1.2        On this bill, the Democrats support the recommendations in the Chair's report regarding the circumstances in which information is to be collected, used and disclosed, as well as the proposed safeguards relating to this information.

1.3        We support the accountability mechanisms proposed by the Chair in relation to parliamentary accountability of background checks and information obtained by AusCheck being passed on to agencies.

1.4        While the Democrats support the recommendations contained in the Chair's report, we reserve our right to amend the bill and vote accordingly.

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja

Australian Democrats

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