Guidance on a variety of more common privacy issues is addressed in the Privacy Information Guidelines listed below. It is important to note that the information is generalised and any policy question or issue must be considered on its own merits. For advice on more specific questions, contact the Privacy Team.
- Handling a personal information security breach
- A-Z Guide to Good Privacy Practice in the Workplace
- Privacy Notices (IPP 2)
- Briefing the Minister on Matters Presenting Privacy Issues
- Disclosure of images
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner website has an extensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) with comprehensive answers, including:
The Privacy Commissioner publishes case notes of finalised complaints that are considered to be of interest. The cases chosen for inclusion illustrate the application of the law in a particular context or otherwise identify systemic issues for greater awareness across agencies.
- IPP1 & 3 collection of info for debt recovery
- IPP1 & 3 collection of work injury info at recruitment
- IPP4 & 8 protect and use accurate info
- IPP4 & 10 use of contractors
- IPP4 & 10 security and unauthorised access to a personnel record
- IPP4 failure to protect employee record
- IPP4,8,9,10&11 use of pers info on transfer
- IPP6 & 7 access and FOI
- IPP8 & 11 disclosure of harassment allegations
- IPP10 & 11 disclosure amongst staff in a department(rumour)
- IPP10 & 11 disclosure to Comcare - access to pers docs on work computer
- IPP10 release of medical information to internal staff
- IPP10.1.e improper use in a referee report
- IPP11 disclosure of investigation to new employer
- IPP11 disclosure of med info in referee report
- IPP11 health info disclosed to employer
- IPP11 disclosure and procedural fairness
- IPP11.1.d disclosure of health info in publication of a transcript
- IPP11.1.e disclosure for enforcement of a law
- IPP4 & 10 failure to keep personal information secure
Further privacy advice can be accessed through the Australian Public Service Commission website. Of particular interest are the following documents:
- Circular No 2008/3: Providing information on Code of Conduct investigation outcomes to complainants
- Circular No 2007/2: The Privacy Act and employee information concerning Code of Conduct matters
- Circular No 2006/3: Amendment to the Public Service Regulations 1999 – Regulation 2.1 – Disclosure of information
- Circular No 1999/10: Access to Health Service providers records
- Advice No 18: Release of personal information under the new Public Service Act
- Employment policy: Access to personnel record