Chair’s Report to the AGM, by John Corker
Background
The APF was incorporated on 25 October 2002. It has operated with an interim committee of myself, David Vaile, Julie Cameron, Roger Clarke and Nigel Waters with Nigel being the public officer.
It has held three meetings since incorporation working towards this first AGM.
In anticipation of media interest in the APF, I have set out a draft brief for responding to media requests for members consideration.
Media Points
The APF has existed since 1987. It was founded to oppose the Australia Card national identity system.
Privacy is a basic human right and a value which underpins human dignity. Respect for privacy enhances the value of all our lives. The APF will continue to be a National Voice for Privacy Protection.
The Foundation has and will continue to focus public attention on emerging issues which pose a threat to the freedom and privacy of Australians.
Why incorporate now?
It’s a timely consolidation of the Australian Privacy Charter Council (wound up June 2002) and the unincorporated APF. A key document that sets out the principles of the APF Inc is The Australian Privacy Charter, December 1994 (note that the 18 principles will continue to guide the APF).
Incorporation provides an opportunity for the organisation to attract a broader membership and operate on a wider front.
Protection of Privacy is an increasingly important issue particularly in the face of technology and the Information Revolution. The dangers of unwarranted breaches of privacy increase as the electronic records of what we do increase. Its about information privacy but also private space, privacy of your own body, privacy of communications and freedom from surveillance.
Government has recognised Privacy as an important issue in recent years by introducing private sector privacy rules and appointing privacy commissioners (Cth, Vic and NSW)(note 5 fold increase in complaints to OPC). Privacy is a long term issue.
It is important that there is voice that raises the issues of privacy protection which may not be considered otherwise.
What is the APF going to do?
The APF will continue to make submissions to relevant inquires. (noting 21 submissions made last year-more than ever before!).
There will be a strong focus on the APF website being a resource for people with privacy issues. Many submissions are already there and a history of the organisation. Additional historical material will be placed there.
It will have specialist spokespersons on particular issues. e.g health information, genetics, communications, workplace.
It will run the Big Brother awards(details to be worked out).
Key areas of activity that are raising privacy issues are:
- increased electronic surveillance (video cameras, satellites, recording of computer activity – in networks, on hard drives, with ISPs, in the workplace etc), sophisticated listening and tracking devices.(mobile phones)
- proposals to store and transfer health information electronically
- increased use of genetic and biometric material for various purposes
- interception and access to communications (new communications technology such as caller ID and ENUM)
- increased investigative powers of police and security agencies
John Corker
30 January 2003