Abstract
While the need for a consistent national privacy framework is well recognised, it has become even more pressing in light of the development of online health information networks which transcend existing state and territory borders. The Commonwealth Government’s draft National Health Privacy Code attempts to address this need by providing a single mechanism for governing the privacy of health records nationally. This paper identifies the privacy challenges posed by e-health records and the importance of proper safeguards to protect this information. The draft Code, including a number of unresolved problems underpinning its implementation, is discussed. Although a stakeholder consultation process has been undertaken, it is argued that further debate and development is required before such an untested and fundamental change to Australia’s health privacy framework can be effectively implemented.

Abstract
The profile of health information managers (HIMs) employed within one metropolitan area health service in New South Wales (NSW) was identified, together with which information technology and health informatics knowledge and skills they possess, and which ones they require in their workplace. The subjects worked in a variety of roles: 26% were employed in the area’s Information Systems Division developing and implementing point-of-care clinical systems. Health information managers perceived they needed further continuing and formal education in point-of-care clinical systems, decision support systems, the electronic health record, privacy and security, health data collections, and database applications.