5 September 2008

The Privacy Commissioners of New Zealand and Australia have reinforced their strong ties by signing up to an agreement to cooperate on privacy issues.

Both Commissioners noted that there were 'significant benefits' in developing strong relationship between regulators in different countries.

New Zealand's Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, said that cooperation was particularly important with Australia because of the closeness between the two countries. She noted the fact that there are many businesses operating in both Australia and New Zealand. 'Streamlining arrangements between the two countries is going to make life easier for businesses and their customers. It makes practical sense for regulators to cooperate.' said Ms Shroff.

'In today's business world, personal information is a key currency. Good handling of that information is a business fundamental.'

Under the agreement, the offices will share information about surveys, research projects, promotional campaigns, education and training programmes and investigative methods.

The updated agreement, signed during Privacy Awareness Week, will strengthen the relationship by enabling bilateral meetings and sharing of information on a broader range of privacy matters. 

View the Memorandum.

ENDS

Background: The agreement is a demonstration of the OECD Guidelines on Cross-border Cooperation in the Enforcement of Laws Protecting Privacy.

The AUS-NZ agreement has been used as a base document to build a template for privacy regulators within APEC.

For more information contact: Annabel Fordham or Katrine Evans tel: 021 509 735 or 04 474 7590 or email: enquiries@privacy.org.nz