Making a privacy complaint
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What is a privacy complaint?
If you think your personal information has not been treated in accordance with IS42 or has been mishandled by a Queensland Government agency you can make a privacy complaint.
If you are concerned about how a Queensland Government agency has collected, stored, used or disclosed your personal information, contact the agency and discuss your concerns. If your privacy issue is not resolved, you may wish to lodge a written privacy complaint. There is no fee or charge for making a privacy complaint.
How do I make a privacy complaint to a Queensland Government agency?
Each Queensland Government agency has a Privacy Contact Officer. This person is the first point of contact for all privacy issues.
Agencies have different processes for handling complaints so check with the agency about any specific requirements they may have.
In general, complaints should:
- be in writing; and
- provide information relating to what you believe has been the privacy breach.
You should receive an acknowledgement of your complaint and your complaint should be finalised within a resonable period. Most agencies acknowledge your complaint within 14 days and try to finalise the investigation within 60 days, but you should check with the agency to confirm their usual timeframes.
How is a privacy complaint processed?
Each Queensland Government agency will have procedures in place for the processing of your privacy complaint. Procedures may differ from agency to agency.
In some instances, the Privacy Contact Officer may attempt to resolve the matter informally. This may involve mediation or simply asking the responsible departmental officer to explain or take appropriate remedial action.
If the matter needs to be formally investigated, you will be notified of an outcome—usually within 60 days.
If I am not satisfied with the outcome of my privacy complaint, what can I do?
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your privacy complaint, you can seek an internal review. Each agency will have its internal review process outlined in its privacy plan.
Your internal review application must be in writing and should include:
- a brief description of your privacy issue; and
- copies of any relevant documents.
An application for internal review should be addressed to the Privacy Contact Officer of the agency, who will arrange for the application to be provided to the designated Internal Review Officer.
Who do I contact regarding Queensland Privacy?
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is the lead agency for implementing Queensland Privacy across Queensland Government agencies. The officers within the Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit specialise in providing the privacy-specific information that will inform you about privacy rights and obligations in Queensland.
Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
GPO Gox 149
Brisbane Qld 4001
Level 14
50 Ann Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Telephone: (07) 3239 3439
Facsimile: (07) 3006 5929
If you have specific questions about the way Queensland Privacy is applied within a specific QueenslandGovernment agency, please contact that agency directly.
Created January 2006
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