11 August 2009

Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, has confirmed her office has recently received a complaint about the actions of the Minister and Ministry of Social Development, in relation to a recent release of personal information. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is beginning an initial assessment of the complaint.

The Commissioner outlined the independent complaints investigations process that is followed by her office.

'Once we receive a complaint, we assess it to see if we need any further information. If so, we contact the complainant.

'We let the respondent know as soon as possible that a complaint has been made and the nature of that complaint.

'We then consider the possible issues involved, and ask the respondent to explain their point of view.

'The Privacy Act requires us to conduct our investigations with the complainant and respondent in a confidential manner. The reason behind this is to encourage open and frank discussion with the parties.'

'A good number of complaints to my office are resolved by settlement between the parties, and a smaller number are resolved by the Commissioner forming a final opinion,' said Marie Shroff.

ENDS

For further information contact: Annabel Fordham 021 509 735 or 04 474 7598