Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts

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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 2011 (NO. 35 OF 2011) - SECT 271

Confidentiality of information

    (1)     This section applies if a person obtains information or gains access to a document in exercising any power or function under this Act (other than under part 7 (Workplace entry by WHS entry permit-holders)).

Note     A reference to an Act includes a reference to statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including a regulation and any law or instrument applied, adopted or incorporated by the Act (see Legislation Act, s 104).

    (2)     The person must not do any of the following:

        (a)     disclose to anyone else—

              (i)     the information; or

              (ii)     the contents of or information contained in the document;

        (b)     give access to the document to anyone else;

        (c)     use the information or document for any purpose.

Maximum penalty:

        (a)     in the case of an individual—$10 000; or

        (b)     in the case of a body corporate—$50 000.

Note     Strict liability applies to each physical element of this offence (see  s 12A).

    (3)     Subsection (2) does not apply to the disclosure of information, or the giving of access to a document or the use of information or a document—

        (a)     about a person, with the person's consent; or

        (b)     that is necessary for the exercise of a power or function under this Act; or

        (c)     that is made or given by the regulator or a person authorised by the regulator if the regulator reasonably believes the disclosure, access or use—

              (i)     is necessary for administering, or monitoring or enforcing compliance with, this Act; or

              (ii)     is necessary for the administration or enforcement of another Act prescribed by regulation; or

              (iii)     is necessary for the administration or enforcement of another Act or law, if the disclosure, access or use is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious risk to public health or safety; or

              (iv)     is necessary for the recognition of authorisations under a corresponding WHS law; or

              (v)     is required for the exercise of a power or function under a corresponding WHS law; or

        (d)     that is required by any court, tribunal, authority or person having lawful authority to require the production of documents or the answering of questions; or

        (e)     that is required or authorised under a law; or

        (f)     to a Minister.

    (4)     A person commits an offence if—

        (a)     the person (the defendant ) intentionally discloses to another person the name of an individual; and

        (b)     the individual has made a complaint in relation to the person to whom the individual's name is disclosed; and

        (c)     the defendant knows or is reckless as to that fact.

Maximum penalty:

        (a)     in the case of an individual—$10 000; or

        (b)     in the case of a body corporate—$50 000.

    (5)     However, the defendant does not commit an offence under subsection (4) if the disclosure is made with the consent of the individual or is required under a law.



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