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go card Personal Information Review
In July 2010, a Brisbane media outlet reported that the Queensland Police Service had used TransLink go card records to locate a person who may have been able to provide information to assist in a murder investigation. Later that month, following extensive media coverage, the Privacy Commissioner announced a review into the handling of personal information relating to go cards by both TransLink and the Queensland Police Service. The review examined 55 Queensland Police Service investigations seeking go card information prior to the review’s commencement and 16 requests made after the review commenced. The Commissioner’s report was tabled in Parliament on 22 November 2010 and made seven recommendations, all of which have now been implemented by TransLink. TransLink Chief Executive Officer, Peter Strachan said the review assisted to ensure TransLink customers’ privacy was – and will continue to be – protected.
“The Privacy Commissioner’s guidance in this area is a good result for TransLink, our customers and our community,” Peter said “It’s in the best interests of everyone that a balance be maintained between Queensland Police Service performing their duties and protecting the personal information of TransLink customers.” TransLink has improved its information processes to ensure that future requests from the Queensland Police Service are considered, recorded and properly authorised through a central coordination unit, applying rigorous policies and procedures. In a follow-up review in August 2011, the Privacy Commissioner looked at 16 cases and found these met best-practice standard.
CASE STUDY
TransLink Transit Authority Annual Report 2010–11 th 2