6 June 2000

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker, stated today that the AEC has acted properly and in accordance with legal advice in providing information to other Commonwealth agencies.

Mr Becker said that legal opinions were provided to the AEC in 1991 and again in 1993, advising that it was lawful to provide prescribed authorities with information disclosing the personal particulars of electors by electronic means.

The AEC sought additional legal advice after the Senate Estimates hearings on 24 May involving the AEC's provision of elector information to the ATO. Senior General Counsel from the Australian Government Solicitor provided written confirmation that under the Commonwealth Electoral Act it was open to the AEC to provide a prescribed authority with information on a tape or disk.

Mr Becker also confirmed that he had received a letter from the Victorian
Attorney-General, enclosing contrary legal advice. Mr Becker said that the AEC has sought further legal advice and has no other comment to make at this time.

Andy Becker

Electoral Commissioner

6 June 2000

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