Media Release
Release of Exposure Draft of the Access Card Bill
13 December 2006
The Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, today released an exposure draft of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007 for the access card.
The exposure draft will enable full public consultation and comment on the proposed legislation prior to it being introduced into Parliament in February 2007.
“I am pleased to release this exposure draft of the access card legislation for public consultation,” Minister Hockey said.
“This is another example of my commitment to consult widely, share information and seek feedback.”
Details of the Bill are being discussed at the consumer and privacy briefing on the Australian Government’s health and social services access card in Sydney today.
The Bill will build on existing laws that protect privacy and disclosure of information. The draft Bill is now available for public comment.
“I have asked the Office of Access Card to consult both directly, and through the Consumer and Privacy Taskforce, to refine the legislation before its introduction to Parliament next year,” Minister Hockey said.
The Bill broadly addresses the following areas in relation to the access card, including:
- Purpose and scope including function creep
- Information on the card and the register
- Ownership
- Protecting the card and the rights of cardholders.
“I welcome comments and feedback from all Australians. This is your card so it is important that you have an opportunity to express your views,” said the Minister.
Comments are to be submitted by 12 January 2007 to:
accesscard.bill@humanservices.gov.au, or by mail to:
Access Card Bill
Department of Human Services
PO Box 3959
Manuka ACT 2603