Senator CASH (Western Australia—Minister for Jobs and Innovation) (14:20): I thank Senator Steele-John for the question. Senator Steele-John, to the extent that I can I will respond, and if I have to take part of the question on notice I will. But, Senator Steele-John, the government is absolutely committed to protecting all Australians' right to privacy. As you would be aware, the Privacy Act itself contains 13 Australian privacy principles, which regulate how private sector organisations with an annual turnover above $3 million and most Australian government agencies can handle personal information. In terms of how the Privacy Act applies to— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Cash. Senator Steele-John, on a point of order? Senator Steele-John: I appreciate, Mr President, that the minister may not have been sufficiently briefed on this issue. However, I would like to bring her attention back to the nature of my question, which was why the Attorney-General believes, in light of the views expressed by the privacy commissioner, that the exemption is appropriate, given the modern data environment? The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, you will appreciate that your question did have a lengthy preamble. I believe the minister is being relevant to part of your question. You've just taken the opportunity to remind the minister of your question. I call the minister. Senator CASH: Senator Steele-John, the Privacy Act, as you will also be aware, contains an exemption for members of the Australian parliament, local government councillors and registered political parties and their volunteers and contractors in relation to specified kinds of political acts and practices. The exemption is designed to encourage freedom of political communication and support the operation of the electoral and political processes. However, the exemption does not authorise entities that are subject to the Privacy Act, such as social networking services, to disclose personal information that will be used by politicians or registered political parties for political purposes. If I can get you any further information I will. The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, a supplementary question.