from the Australian, at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/index.asp?URL=/national/4209189.htm Welfare move threat to privacy By PETER REES 31jan99 THE privacy of more than two million Australians receiving welfare is under threat because of the Federal Government's handling of sensitive information. The Opposition claims a Howard Government trial using private and community agencies to deliver Centrelink services threatens privacy. Opposition family services spokesperson Wayne Swan has written to Privacy Commissioner Moira Scollay calling for an investigation into the privacy fears. The move follows an announcement last week by Community Services Minister Warren Truss that more than 100 new Centrelink agencies will be opened in rural and regional areas. In his letter to Ms Scollay, Mr Swan said Centrelink handled a range of highly sensitive information, including income, marital status, health and employment history. "The information routinely handled by Centrelink officers is far more sensitive and personal than that accessed by non-government agencies," he told Ms Scollay. He was concerned that without rigid safeguards and thorough monitoring, privacy legislation would be breached. "I fail to see how small non-government agencies will be able to provide the same service and protection Centrelink clients," he said. "I also question Centrelink's ability to sufficiently monitor the conduct of agencies or safeguard the rights of clients." The Government says the expansion will ensure the 2.5 million Australians living outside the major cities will have easier access to pensions, benefits and government services.
