NOTICE OF A DATA MATCHING PROGRAM

SERVICES AUSTRALIA

This notice refers to the commencement of a new data matching program between Services Australia (the Agency) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the JobKeeper Payment program. 

This data matching program involves the exchange of data between the ATO and the Agency to compare information held by the ATO relating to the JobKeeper Payment, and information that social security payment customers have reported to the Agency.

This will assist the Agency in identifying the overlapping populations of people who may be registered for both the JobKeeper program and social security payments, as well as identify social security customers who may need extra support to correctly declare their income, to help prevent them getting an overpayment. 

In some instances, this program may detect and address potential customer non-compliance with reporting obligations under the relevant social security laws and any identified fraudulent activity.

A protocol document describing this program has been developed in consultation with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Copies of the document are available from:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/publications-and-resources/centrelink-data-matching-activities

The Agency adheres to the OAIC Guidelines on Data Matching in Australian Government Administration which includes standards for data matching to protect the privacy of individuals. The Agency’s privacy policy is available from:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/publications-and-resources/privacy-policy