Qld agencies to face mandatory data breach reporting Government News

pQueensland is set to join NSW as the only other Australian state to introduce a mandatory data breach notification schemeppThe state government says the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 introduced on October 12 contains reforms aimed at improving the accountability of government agencies and boosting privacy protections in a way thats fitforpurpose in a digital worldppThe legislation introduces requirements for government agencies to notify the Office of the Information Commissioner as well as affected individuals of data breachesppMandatory notification is one of the recommendations of the 2022 Coaldrake Review of the Queensland public sector as a way of putting pressure on agencies to take more responsibility for data security and be proactive about managing breachesppA significant aspect of this Bill is the establishment of a mandatory data breach notification scheme AttorneyGeneral Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette DAth says in a statement on ThursdayppRecent high profile data breaches demonstrate that loss or unauthorised access or disclosure of personal information has the potential to result in serious harm to individuals ppWe are establishing this scheme so there are clear consistent requirements to notify individuals of data breaches of Queensland government agenciesppThats why we are establishing this scheme so there are clear consistent requirements to notify individuals of data breaches of Queensland government agencies so that individuals are empowered to take steps to reduce the risk of harm resulting from a data breach ppThe Bill will also include amendments regarding the release of cabinet documents and reforms to improve alignment with the Commonwealth Privacy Act including a single set of privacy principles aligned with the OAICs Australian Privacy PrinciplesppThis will provide a stepping stone for further reform following any legislation arising out of the Commonwealth Governments review of the Privacy Act the government saysppIt also contains reforms to the Right to Information framework that the government says will reduce red tape and deliver efficiencies for applicants and agenciesppThe reforms will ensure Queenslands privacy laws remain contemporary and relevant amid changes in the way technology is used and personal information is collected and accessed and stored Ms DAth saidppBy also strengthening Queenslands privacy framework public sector agencies will be able to continue to manage the challenges of digital service delivery while meeting community expectations around privacy she saidppComment below to have your say on this storyppIf you have a news story or tipoff get in touch at editorialgovernmentnewscomau  ppSign up to the Government News newsletterppYour email address will not be published All fields are requiredpp

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