ABS to conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (Media Release)

	MEDIA RELEASE
11 November 2015	Embargo: 11:30 am (Canberra Time)	124/2015

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today announced it will conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment on the retention of names and addresses from responses to the 2016 Census of Population and Housing.

The ABS is considering the retention of names and addresses as a key enabler for improved household surveys and high quality statistics.

The retention of names and addresses would support the integration of Census data with other survey and administrative data to provide a richer and dynamic statistical picture of Australia.

Historically, the ABS has destroyed all name and address information after statistical processing of the Census has been completed.

In considering this change, the ABS remains committed to maintaining high levels of community trust. No information will be released in a way that would enable users of Census data to identify any particular individual or household. Names and addresses will be separated from other household and personal data collected in the Census. Addresses and anonymous versions of names will only be used for approved projects.

To inform both our decision and approach, the ABS will undertake a Privacy Impact Assessment and is seeking feedback on this proposal.

Further information is contained in the ABS Statement of Intent. To provide feedback on the proposal, please write to privacy@abs.gov.au by 2 December 2015.

The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.