Quoting from P. S. News Edition Number 552. Updated Tuesday 23 May 2017. http://www.psnews.com.au/aps/552/news/new-privacy-code-for-public-data?utm_source=aps552&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news1&utm_campaign=newsletter_aps
New privacy code for public data
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner will develop a new Australian Public Service (APS) Privacy Code to apply to releases of Government-held data.
The new Code is aimed at enhancing the capability of Federal Government Agencies to deliver data innovation that integrates personal data protection and will be implemented across the APS.
Secretary of PM&C, Martin Parkinson and Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim have exchanged letters formalising the Code’s development.
Rules on the release of info
Dr Parkinson said strong personal data protection was crucial to unlocking the potential of Government-held data.
“The value of publicly held data is often maximised when it can be shared and built upon, so it is vital that APS-wide standards and capabilities are obtained,” Dr Parkinson said.
“The Code can therefore be a catalyst to transform the Australian Government’s data performance, increasing both internal capacity and external transparency to stakeholders.”
Mr Pilgrim said he welcomed PM&C’s positive approach.
“Privacy protection fully supports data innovation when an integrated approach is taken,” Mr Pilgrim said.
He said the Privacy Code, and its supporting tools and resources, would ensure the APS had the skills and capabilities to place that integrated approach at the centre of public sector innovation.
“We are looking to make best practice the only practice for Government-held data,” Mr Pilgrim said.
The Privacy Code is to apply to all Australian Government entities subject to the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and will be implemented in 2018.
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