Protect your private information

BY KRISTYN LENNON

QUEENSLANDERS are among the millions of Australians who have been affected by recent high-profile data breaches, such as those involving Medibank and Optus.

These data breaches have left many customers worried about the potential for their personal information to end up in the hands of hackers.

The breaches have also raised important questions about Australia’s national Privacy Act, which is in the process of being reformed.

Across Australia, the Privacy Act is the main piece of law protecting the handling of personal information in the federal public sector and in the private sector.

The rules say entities can only use personal information for the purpose for which they are collected, and they must protect personal information that they hold from misuse.

States and territories also have their own privacy rules for their public sectors.

Here in Queensland, a law called the In- formation Privacy Act contains the privacy rules that apply to Queensland government agencies.

Like the national Privacy Act, these Queensland laws regulate how agencies in our state collect, store, use and disclose personal information.

Agencies must only collect personal information for a legitimate purpose, and should tell you why they are collecting it, what it will be used for and whether it will be given to anyone outside the agency.

These privacy laws apply to all Queensland government agencies including departments, public authorities and local government, but there are some exceptions, for example some law enforcement functions.

To help protect your privacy, you should read the privacy policy or collection notice from the organisation that is handling your personal information. If you don’t understand it, ask them to explain.

Similarly, you should also ask questions if you don’t think an organisation needs to collect the personal information they are seeking from you.

If you think your privacy rights have been breached, your first complaint should be with the agency that you believe has breached your privacy. The agency’s privacy policy should explain what you need to do to make a complaint.

If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time, or aren’t satisfied with the agency’s response, you can make a formal written complaint to either the Australian or Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner (whichever is the relevant overseeing body).

If these offices decide to investigate your complaint, possible outcomes could include taking steps to address the matter, a fine, compensation or an apology.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairns-based lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@mauriceblackburn.com.au

The debate of whether we should celebrate our national day on 26 January emerged again last week. The Express asked its readers their views on whether Australia Day should remain on that date...

Read a book the history of it and you'll see why that date was chosen and yes I am aboriginal I hate to think what would've happened to our ancestors if the Japanese would've invaded Australia – Sharon Bowyang

Yes and teach in school the true meaning of the 26 January 1949. Aussie Aussie Aussie – Doreen Mortimore

I don't care what day it's on! I celebrate the coming together of all Australians and new Australians making a pledge to our great country – Gayle Samuel

As an immigrant to this amazing country, I celebrate Australia Day. Yes, celebrate! I acknowledge the good and bad but this country has a spirit and acceptance that rewards loyalty to the flag, My service in the RAN was but a small part in repaying the debt I owe for allowing me to be a citizen. I am Australian in body, mind and soul – Ken Carey

Yes it should. Nothing we do will ever be enough. We don't change Christmas or Easter or anything else for the other beliefs. Like everything you don't want to celebrate or join in don't – Veronica Beckham

Yes we are celebrating this wonderful country we live in. We are ALL Australians regardless of race, gender or ethnic background – Marcel C Gueho

26th January 1949 was when the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was passed, that broke us away from being British Citizens. That sounds like a good date to celebrate being Australian – Wendy Sheldrake Luscombe No! We should not celebrate at all. It should be a day of sorrow. Keep it a public holiday and call it 'Injustice Day'. Educate yourselves on the uncomfortable truth. Uncover your eyes, ears and start speaking about the correct narrative for the terrible atrocities committed. Educate yourselves because many are not taught this truth at school. You could watch the free documentary on SBS on Demand, The Australian Wars. Rachel Perkins journeys across the country to explore the bloody battles fought on Australian soil and the war that established the Australian nation, seeking to change the narrative of the nation –Amanda Torrisi

Most definitely, it's the day that we became a nation in our own right – Janet Backhouse

I celebrate it every morning with thankfulness that I live here. I have never in 70 Years celebrated on 26th Jan and probably never – Jenny Murphy

Anyone who lives in Australia and accepts what Australia provides for them should be proud to celebrate Australia day 26th January as it has been this way for many many moons. Aussie Aussie Aussie – Julie Thomas Definitely on the 26th why change it whats it going to achieve just split the nation further its like independence day the day we broke from British law. One people one nation – Patrick Dayes

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