Annual Report to the 2003 AGM – John Corker

2003 provided the first full year of operation for the APF as an incorporated entity. The key achievements for the year were:

• the enhanced operation and content of the APF website at https://www.privacy.org.au
• the conduct of Australia’s inaugral Big Brother Awards (“BBAs”) and
• the many submissions made by the APF to various committees, inquiries etc.

The APF website content has grown and continues to grow considerably. I would like to thank the website subcommittee members in particular the treasurer and deputy chair for this. The website is a great resource for APF members and anyone interested in privacy and it will continue to be the main ‘front’ for the APF.

Australia’s first BBA’s were a great success with the then Attorney-General, Daryl Williams taking out the major award of Lifetime Menace to Privacy. The APF joined 21 other countries around the world who each conduct annual BBA awards.

A well attended ceremony was held in Sydney where the awards were announced by the former NSW Privacy Commissioner Chris Puplick who made a rousing and thoughtful speech. I would like to thank the 8 judges who had to consider the nominations from members of the public and decide who should be the [lucky] winners. I look forward to the 2004 awards which will be bigger and better and build on the knowledge and experience gained in 2003.

The APF made 18 written submissions during the year to 30 June 2003 to various inquiries, government agencies, organizations and to the federal and State privacy commissioners. All of these are reproduced on the APF website. Preparation and finalization of submissions requires a considerable amount of work as policy positions have to be developed through drafts that are circulated amongst board members before they are finalized. I would like to thank Nigel Waters as the major submission writer and invite and encourage other members to participate in this process. (see separate submissions report for details).

Privacy is threatened on many fronts. There are so many actual and proposed changes in society in the wake of September 11 and with the ever advancing march of technology 2003 has been an extremely busy year for privacy. The challenges for 2004 appear to be even greater.

With this in mind, the APF will be striving to build on the organizational strengths that have been achieved in 2003, participating as widely as possible in privacy related issues and communicating with and seeking to grow its membership.

The APF will continue to be relevant, persuasive and a strong advocate for the privacy rights of individuals.

I would like to thank the Treasurer, Roger Clarke, Secretary, Julie Cameron and other Board members for their contributions to the workings of the Board this year. In particular I would like to thank the outgoing Secretary Julie Cameron for her assistance and the wonderful slides she prepared for the Big Brother Awards presentation.

John Corker

Chair