Peter van Onselen who raised this issue first in 2003, continued in the Weekend Australian to make the case for removal of the exemption from the Privacy Act for political parties as recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 2008, rejecting defence of the status quo by Minister for Communications Senator Conroy, and the attempt to downplay it all by Opposition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull. (Audible sigh, for obvious reasons), no hyperbole here.
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
This article in yesterdays SMH http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/kings-of-the-cross-take-matters-into-own-hands-20110731-1i6i7.html sent shivers down my spine. A perfect example of why we need more precise legislation! There is a good case for saying that scanning of government documents by pubs and clubs should be forbidden.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm in favour of legislating for an already (probably) existing tort, I think there are more urgent isues. Maybe introducing the possibility of civil actions might galvinise the private sector to take privacy issues seriously.