Information Standard 42 - Information Privacy (IS42) recognises that privacy rights and principles include rights of access to and amendment of personal information. IS42 refers specifically to the existing rights of access and amendment of personal affairs information under the Queensland Freedom of Information Act 1992 (the FOI Act). The provisions of the FOI Act confer a right on individuals to obtain access to documents concerning their personal affairs without incurring any fees or charges. In addition, the FOI Act enables individuals to seek amendment of their personal affairs information if they believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading. "Personal affairs" information has a narrower meaning that "personal information", and refers only to information concerning private aspects of a person's life.
Access arrangements at QUT
QUT is committed to providing, as far as practicable, an open environment which enables members of the public and the QUT community to access University documents without recourse to formal procedures under the FOI Act.
To achieve this, QUT has in place arrangements where University staff members may inspect their personnel records by arrangement with Human Resources Department staff. Students may inspect their student records by arrangement with the Student Business Services Department. Persons who have been unsuccessful in applying for appointment to QUT may also obtain information concerning their application and the selection process by contacting the Human Resources Department. Individuals seeking access to other types of personal records which the University holds about them should contact the Privacy Contact Officer in the first instance, who will assist with making a request to the appropriate organisational unit or arrange access where necessary.
It is recognised that, on occasion, it will be necessary or appropriate to make an application under the FOI Act to the FOI Officer, for instance, where documents are considered exempt from access or where consultation with third parties may be necessary. The Privacy Contact Officer also acts as QUT's FOI Officer and is able to advise in these situations.
Requests for amendment of information
QUT has a similar approach to the rights of amendment of personal information as provisioned in the FOI Act. In simple cases, where evidence is given, an appropriate officer of the University may alter the record without using the formal FOI mechanisms. In more complex cases (eg where opinion or other interpretative information is involved, or if a determination needs to be made as to whether personal affairs information is involved), it will be necessary to make application to the FOI Officer.
Further information
Where an FOI application is necessary or to obtain further advice on FOI processes, contact QUT's FOI Officer.
QUT's approach to information access and privacy is articulated in the Privacy Policy and the Freedom of Information Policy.