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Information privacy – access and amendment and the information privacy principles
The Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) was enacted on 1 July 2009, repealing Information Standard 42 – Information Privacy (IS42).
The IP Act contains the 11 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) previously endorsed under IS42, which requires the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) to adhere to, and responsibly manage the collection, use, storage and disclosure of ‘personal information’.
Personal information is defined within the IP Act as:
‘Personal information is information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.’
How to make an IP access or amendment application
The IP Act has also transferred across the access and amendment provisions of personal affairs from the now repealed Freedom of Information Act 1992. Under the IP Act you can request a copy of a document, a part of a document or an extract from a document that relates to your own personal information. To seek access to a document relating to your personal information, you may submit an application form.
You can also make applications to request amendments to your own personal information under the IP Act.
To request information held by DEEDI, your application must:
- be on the approved form;
- provide sufficient information to identify the documents you want to access;
- provide an address to which notices can be provided;
- provide certified proof of identity if you are seeking access to your personal information; and
- include a valid authorisation and proof of identity of an agent if a third party is acting on your behalf.
*If your application does not meet these requirements, officers of DEEDI are will assist you to amend the application so that it does comply.
Visit the Queensland Government RTI site, where you can either apply online or download the application form and forward it to:
RTI and Privacy Unit
Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation
PO Box 15216
City East Q 4002
Fax (toll free): 1800 627 469
Fax: +61 7 3239 6119
How much does an IP Act application cost?
There are no processing charges associated with applications made under the IP Act for personal information relating to the applicant.
How long will it take?
Once your application and all of the requirements (as listed above) are received by the department, the agency must then make a decision about your application within 25 business days. A further 10 business days is added for consultations with third parties pursuant to section 56 of the IP Act.
How to make an application under the Right to Information Act 2009
For information on how to request access to documents that are not related to your personal information please see the DEEDI RTI site.
What if I am dissatisfied with the decision?
The IP Act provides for two levels of review:
- Internal review – An internal review must be applied for within 20 days from the date you were given the notice of the decision. The official status or rank of the officer conducting the review is required to be at least as high as that of the officer who made the original decision. The agency must finalise this review within 20 business days of receipt of your application. Applications for internal review should be directed to:
RTI/IP Internal Review Officer
RTI and Privacy Unit
Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation
PO Box 15216
City East Q 4002
- External review – Under the IP Act you are not required to seek an internal review prior to applying for an external review by the Information Commissioner. If you choose to apply firstly for an internal review and are dissatisfied with the decision, you have 20 business days from the date you received the notice of the results of the internal review to apply for external review. If you choose to proceed straight to external review, you must apply for such within 20 business days from the date you were given the original notice of decision from the agency. Applications for external review should be directed to:
Office of the Information Commissioner
PO Box 10143
Adelaide Street
Brisbane Q 4001
Contact Us
If you wish to discuss making an access or amendment application, would like to make a privacy complaint, or have any queries about information privacy and security, please contact the Privacy Contact Officer at:
Privacy Contact Officer
RTI and Privacy Unit
Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation
PO Box 15216
City East Q 4002
Ph (toll-free): 1800 061 938
Ph: +61 7 3235 4772
Fax (toll-free): 1800 627 469
Fax: +61 7 3239 6119
Email: privacy@dme.qld.gov.au