Top law reform body set to review state’s privacy laws

Privacy review on cards 

THE state’s peak law reform body intends to review Tasmania’s privacy laws in light of rapid advances in technology since the legislation was last amended 16 years ago.

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute has accepted a request from independent Nelson MLC Meg Webb for a review of the Personal Information Protection Act to be undertaken.

It comes amid concerns from Ms Webb, independent McIntyre MLC Tania Rattray and the Greens that the state government’s decision to collect Tasmanians’ driver licence data for storage in a segregated system could compromise citizens’ privacy.

Ms Webb said she proposed a review of the state’s privacy laws late last year.

“I have been advised by the TLRI that this proposal has been accepted, and they are in the process of pursuing funding to conduct the review,” she said.

An intergovernmental agreement was struck at a Council of Australian Governments meeting in 2017 to share and match biometric data across jurisdictions as a means of combating identity fraud and promoting law enforcement, national security, community safety and improved service delivery.

After the state government amended Tasmania’s vehicle and traffic regulations, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles began collecting driver licence data to be stored in what the State Growth Department says is a secure system. But federal legislation is yet to be enacted to facilitate the sharing and matching of data across jurisdictions.

The terms of reference for the proposed TLRI review stipulate that the institute would carry out widespread public consultation on the matter of privacy and and how it can best be protected in Tasmania.

Recommendations would be provided to advise on an appropriate model for the state to “protect and enhance” privacy rights and protections.

A state government spokesperson said the government currently had no concerns with how the act was operating but would consider the outcome of any review undertaken by the TLRI.

Rob Inglis | The Examiner | March 1, 2020