If you weren't relaxed and comfortable after reading last week that doctors "will be forced to hand over patient medical files to Medicare to prove they have performed the services they have claimed, in a move the Government says will save taxpayers about $148 million over four years," you won't feel any better, and maybe a bit worse, after seeing the front page story in today's Australian Financial Review,"ATO lashed over privacy breaches"( no link available), summarised in Business Spectator.
The AFR report was the result of a six-month investigation, aided by a series of Freedom of Information applications, and a consultant's report that raised serious concerns about mismanagement and inappropriate collusion between the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Crime Commission and the Australian Federal Police.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
Oh good, now we not only have to worry about workers compensation insurers, travel insurers, life insurance providers and so on delving inappropriately into our health files, we also have to worry about some buffoon in the government poring over our blood test results.
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