Wellington, June 25 NZPA - The Privacy Commissioner has largely backed proposed changes to the Privacy Act in a 105-page submission to the Law Commission and has called for the creation of a chief privacy officer role in government.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today declined to comment on Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff's decision on Tuesday to refer a privacy complaint against her to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff has closed her investigation into a privacy complaint against Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and referred the matter to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

By Kate Chapman of NZPA Wellington, May 27 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has rejected a suggestion she pay a solo mother $15,000 because she made the woman's welfare information public.

Wellington, May 27 NZPA - Solo mum Natasha Fuller asked for compensation from Social Development Minister Paula Bennett after seeking legal advice, Labour MP Charles Chauvel says.

Wellington, May 27 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has been asked to pay out $15,000 to a mum whose welfare information she made public.

Wellington, April 30 NZPA - A beneficiary who laid a privacy complaint against Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has admitted she made up a story about being offered money to end the inquiry.

Wellington, April 29 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has denied she offered money to a beneficiary who laid a privacy complaint against her.

Wellington, Oct 25 NZPA - Labour MP and former Cabinet minister Rick Barker advised volunteers to use false names and a fictitious company name when ringing people to conduct polls.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Oct 15 NZPA - On the second anniversary of controversial police raids, political activists today told MPs a new bill allowing police greater powers to search and monitor could stifle freedom of speech.