Consultation begins on privacy and right to information reforms

Queenslanders are being encouraged to have their say on a wide range of proposed reforms to the state’s information privacy and right to information legislation.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the consultation paper released today sought views from a wide range of individuals, interest groups, government agencies, statutory bodies, and the legal sector.

“Protecting people’s privacy and supporting right to information are important issues that affect all Queenslanders and are matters this Government takes seriously,” Minister Fentiman said.

“It’s critical our Information Privacy Act effectively protects individuals’ personal information and provides appropriate remedies and responses when privacy is breached.

“The proposed reforms reflect a number of recommendations already made by the Crime and Corruption Commission.”

“Community input from a diverse range of stakeholders will further strengthen our legislation, helping to ensure it is relevant and effective, and I encourage everyone with an interest to comment.”

The Consultation Paper seeks feedback on proposed reforms in line with recommendations made by the Crime and Corruption Commission in its Operation Impala Report including:

• whether the Information Commissioner should have enhanced powers to investigate privacy breaches;
• whether Queensland should have a mandatory data breach notification scheme; and
• whether Queensland should adopt a single set of privacy principles that are more aligned with those in the Commonwealth Privacy Act.

Minister Fentiman said proposed changes to RTI processes would make them more efficient for the thousands of Queenslanders who apply for information every year.

Proposed reforms to the RTI Act would streamline and modernise its provisions, including by:

• introducing a single right of access to information, making applying for documents and processing applications a simpler process;
• removing the requirement to apply on the prescribed form; and
• making it easier for evidence of identity documents to be certified.

For more information on how to make a submission, visit: https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/9302/view.html Submissions close on 22 July 2022.

ENDS

Media contact:        Inga Williams          0439 949 719