The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.P.50 Protected information

Definition

For the purposes of the National Redress Scheme, any information about a person or institution (1.1.I.20) collected by the Operator (1.1.O.30) or an officer (1.1.O.10) for the purposes of the Scheme is protected information.

Protected information includes any information about a person or institution that is, or was, held by either the Department of Social Services or Services Australia.

If there is no information about a person or institution on record with either Department, this fact is in itself protected information.

The legislation provides for authorisations when protected information may be obtained, recorded, disclosed or used for purposes related to and unrelated to the Scheme. Unauthorised use or disclosure of protected information is an offence under the Scheme legislation, and criminal and/or civil penalties may apply.

Act reference: NRSAct section 92 Protected information

Policy reference: Redress Guide Part 6 Use & disclosure of Scheme information

Last reviewed: