Sensitive personal information is frequently being released in error, according to an investigation report by the Tasmanian Ombudsman. It’s another worrying indication that Tasmania’s right to information system needs significant reform.
It’s incredibly concerning that personal information has been released without consent by government agencies, especially where it relates to children in care due to sexual abuse concerns. More concerning still is that this is not an isolated issue, but what the Ombudsman describes as an “uncontrolled risk” which is frequently occurring.
When improper disclosure of personal information does occur, the Ombudsman has found there are delays and a lack of clear, documented procedures guiding RTI officers in how to respond. The protection of personal information by the government is vital to ensure respect privacy and improve public trust, but at the moment there are clearly inadequate safeguards and procedures in place.
The Ombudsman made a number of recommendations, including additional checking, written guidance for staff and reviewing redaction methods to reduce the significant amount of personal information which is being released in error.
This report comes after the review of Tasmania’s right to information system by Professors Rick Snell and Tim McCormack found there was a culture of secrecy within government. It’s a farcical situation where information which should be released is being kept behind kept behind closed doors, and personal information which should be protected is being released improperly.
The Professors recommended a serious culture-shift, moving to routine, active disclosures and better training and resourcing departments. Almost six months later, the Rockliff Government has not committed to implementing the review recommendations.
There are chronic issues with Tasmania’s right to information system which the Liberals need to stop sweeping under the rug. The Rockliff Government must act to restore public trust in democracy and adopt recommendations from the Ombudsman’s report and RTI review.
