Additional information
Consumer & Privacy Taskforce
The Consumer and Privacy Taskforce is an independent group, established by the former Minister for Human Services, the Hon Joe Hockey MP, to address consumer and privacy issues related to the development of the access card.
The Taskforce is meeting with organisations and the community and seeking submissions in regards to the access card.
When the Taskforce identifies key consumer and privacy issues it will provide independent advice to the Minister on these issues.
Taskforce Creation
The Taskforce was established on 24 May 2006, shortly after the announcement of the access card initiative by the Prime Minister on 26 April 2006.
Taskforce Members
The Taskforce has three members. It is led by former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Professor Allan Fels, AO. Also on the Taskforce are former New South Wales Privacy Commissioner, Professor Chris Puplick, AM and former Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman, John Wood.
Independent Advice
The Taskforce reports directly to the Minister for Human Services and acts independently of the Office of Access Card. The Taskforce will be making its own public statements and will issue independent reports.
Issues the Taskforce will be Addressing
The Taskforce will address key issues raised by individuals, organisations and business to assist with the development and implementation of the access card.
Some of the issues the Taskforce will be addressing include:
- how people use the card
- the security of personal information
- registration for the card
- benefits of the card
- operation of the access card system
Engaging with Consumers and Interest Groups
The Taskforce undertakes extensive consultation with community organisations, professional and peak bodies, consumer and privacy advocates and individuals regarding the access card initiative.
Through the release of discussion papers and calls for submissions, the Taskforce identifies issues of importance to the community.
The first discussion paper was released on 16 June 2006, and sought public submissions by 27 July.
The Taskforce released its first report to Government, Issues and Recommendations in Relation to Architecture Questions of the access card, on 8 November 2006.
A second discussion paper on Voluntary Medical and Emergency Information on the card was released on 21 February 2007.
A third discussion paper on registration was released on 23 March 2007. Responses are consolodated into reports and recommendations provided to the Minister.
- All Taskforce discussion papers and reports to government can be found on the publications page.
- Submissions to the Taskforce, which the authors have allowed to be made public, can be found on the submissions page.
Contacting the Taskforce
You are welcome to contact Professor Allan Fels or the Taskforce by:
| Email: | a.fels@humanservices.gov.au |
| Post: | GPO Box 3959, Manuka ACT 2603 |
| Phone: | 131 792 (available between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday) |