The Human Services Minister Ian Campbell says he has an open mind about whether privacy laws should be toughened if the Government's new health and welfare card goes ahead.

The Democrats are concerned about privacy breaches if the card is introduced and have raised the prospect of tougher laws to prevent unauthorised access to databases.

Senator Campbell says existing laws to deal with privacy breaches are working well.

"I am very keen to ensure that all Australians know their privacy will be protected and I reassure them that the card doesn't affect that," he said.

"We have fantastic measures in place under existing legislation, but I retain an open mind around enhancing privacy in the introduction of the card."

Senator Campbell has told Parliament ASIO and the Australian Federal Police will explain their powers to a Senate committee but there will be checks in place.

"My understanding on the briefings that I've obtained is that they will require, as they require at the moment, warrants issued by a court to get access to that sort of data," he said.

"There will be no centralised mega-database associated with that card."