Sandy Macdonald (NSW, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

In response to Senator Stott Despoja’s proposed Democrat amendment, I have a couple of things I wish to say. Firstly, the proposed amendment on the national privacy principle would allow the collection of health information where it is necessary to provide a health service to an individual and where it is required or authorised by law. The Prescription Shopping Information Service is the only service currently authorised by law. It is possible that a health law in the future may authorise an additional collection of information. However, any new provisions authorising the collection of information will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, either directly through parliamentary debate on a legislative amendment or through the disallowance process for legislative instruments. In either case, there would be specific opportunity for parliament to consider the privacy implications of any new provision authorising the collection of information. I advise Senator Stott Despoja that the government will provide her with additional information in writing as she requests or as is requested.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.