As part of Privacy Awareness Week (PAW), the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) is urging Queensland’s public servants to act with the utmost care when handling personal information or accessing official databases which contain confidential information.
CCC Chairperson Alan MacSporran QC said public servants are granted access to confidential information as part of their employment and unauthorised use of this information can lead to dismissal and potentially a criminal conviction.
“Due to the nature of the work of some Queensland public sector agencies, they handle private and confidential information. Public servants, including police officers, have an obligation not to misuse the access to this information,” Mr MacSporran said.
“What may seem like a simple peek at someone else’s private information is actually a serious invasion of privacy. It can potentially amount to a criminal offence and be the subject of an investigation by the CCC.”
The number of corruption allegations received by the CCC relating to the misuse of information has decreased slightly from 11 per cent (638 allegations in the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 April 2016) to nine per cent (554 allegations in the period 1 July 2016 to 30 April 2017).
“Misuse of information allegations can involve accessing or disclosing official information without a legitimate reason, unintentionally disclosing official information, falsifying information or records, acquiring or retaining information or records illegally, or inadequately safeguarding information,” Mr MacSporran said.
“The public has every right to expect their personal information is not being accessed or disclosed unless there is a lawful reason.”
The CCC has had a focus on pursuing corruption in the public sector relating to the improper release of confidential information. This focus will continue in 2017–18.
The CCC has resources relating to the protection of confidential and private information available on its website:
- A CCC Corruption Prevention Advisory, Information security and handling, provides public sector agencies with practical advice to ensure private and confidential information is secured.
- A report titled Confidential information: Unauthorised access, disclosure and the risks of corruption in the Queensland Public Sector.
The 2017 Privacy Awareness Week theme is “Care when you share” and is led by the Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner. The event raises awareness within the public sector and the broader community of the importance of protecting and respecting personal information as required by the Information Privacy Act 2009.
For general information about Privacy Awareness Week go to: www.oic.qld.gov.au/trainingandevents/privacy-awareness-week.
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
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