The Australian Greens say the government's proposed amendments to credit reporting and improved privacy protections are a long-overdue development that must result in better protections for consumers.
"These must compel credit providers to list in clear, simple language what information they are asking, how it will be used, and where it will be stored," Greens' consumer affairs spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said today.
"The Greens hope that the legislation the government presents in the winter sittings will include the recommendations of the Senate finance and public administration committee.
"These include that credit providers indicate if they can't release a person's details because of concerns about identity theft, and that corrections to credit information be made within 15 days.
"Consumers have a right to know what information about them is being kept by credit agencies and for corrections to such details being made in a timely manner.
"This process began in October 2009 when the government responded to the Australian Law Reform Commission's 2008 report on privacy law and practice.
"The Greens look forward to working constructively with the government when the legislation is tabled and making amendments if we believe they are necessary."