Get in the know this disaster season: Know when you can share personal information in an emergency
Bushfires, floods, cyclones and disease outbreaks can occur without notice. Queensland public sector agencies and staff need to know their privacy obligations and when it’s appropriate to share personal information (for example with other departments or emergency services).
That’s why the OIC is encouraging agencies and staff to ‘Get in the know’ ahead of disaster season:
- Know about the flexibilities in the Information Privacy Act 2009
- Know how to apply them in an emergency event
- Know your agency’s information sharing strategy
The IP Act contains protections and provisions for personal information held by Queensland public sector agencies. There are also flexibilities built in for emergencies, for example when it comes to secondary use and disclosure, where the health and safety of individuals may be at risk.
Another way agencies can prepare and get on the front foot is by developing an information sharing strategy. By anticipating scenarios and establishing policies, agencies can streamline responses, make better decisions, reduce privacy risks and breaches, and build greater trust with the community. This is a timely issue, given recent news events where some Australian companies have experienced major privacy breaches of personal information.
Further information about privacy obligations and flexibilities in an emergency, pointers for developing an information sharing strategy, helpful contacts and resources are available on our dedicated Emergency webpage.
