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Privacy Law and Policy Reporter

Privacy Law and Policy Reporter (PLPR)
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Greenleaf, Graham --- "Private Parts" [1996] PrivLawPRpr 66; (1996) 3(7) Privacy Law & Policy Reporter 140


HONG KONG PRIVACY COMMISSION LINE-UP

Hong Kong's Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has completed its management line-up. The Office is responsible for enforcement of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance 1995 (see 2 PLPR 164). Unlike many of Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance 1995 (see 2 PLPR 164). Unlike many of its counterparts, it is not dominated by lawyers and features strong data processing and administrative expertise. Commissioner Stephen Lau was formerly head of the HK Government Information Technology Services Department and Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Assistant Commissioner Tony Lam Wing-hong has also held senior management posts with these two bodies. Deputy Commissioner Robin McLeish was formerly Principal Assistant Secretary of Home Affairs. Mr McLeish prepared the drafting instructions for the Ordinance and oversaw its speedy legislative passage. The Office's legal adviser is Mark Berthold (a PLPR editorial board member) who was previously secretary of the Privacy Committee of the Law Reform Commission. The Ordinance has implemented most of the recommendations made in the LRC's 1994 report.

In addition, eight members have been appointed to the advisory committee established under the ordinance. The membership includes the assistant director of the HK Chamber of Commerce, a senior lecturer in marketing, the executive director of the stock Exchange, former vice-chairman of the HK Journalists' Association, the managing director of the Hang Seng Bank, privacy expert Professor Raymond Wacks and the former president of the HK Computer Society.

Governor Chris Patten announced in his policy commitment to coincide with his October policy address that the Ordinance `will be brought into force by the end of 1996.' He also referred to the commencement of a publicity campaign to aid compliance.


CONFERENCE ON `THE NEW PRIVACY LAWS'

The proposed extension of the Commonwealth Privacy Act to the private sector, and proposals for new privacy laws in Victoria and NSW, will be the focus of a conference on `The New Privacy Laws' to be presented by the Communications Law Centre in Sydney on 19 February 1997, kicking off what will no doubt be a busy year for privacy conferences. The CLC conference, of which Prospect (our publisher) is one of the sponsors, and your editor the Chair, will be opened by Commonwealth Attorney-General Daryl Williams. It will feature contributions from a wide range of private sector representatives, Victor Perton MP (Chair of the Victorian Government's advisory committee), representatives of Commonwealth and State privacy regulators, and international participants. The cost is only $250 ($100 for community organisations and students), and registration inquiries should be directed to Sue Ferguson at CLC on (02) 9663 0551, fax (02) 9662 6839, email: comslaw@ozemail.com.au


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