12 Jun 2012

Safeguards on information sharing proposed

10:07 am on 12 June 2012

A select committee is recommending changes to improve safeguards in a new a law on information sharing.

The Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill aims to facilitate the sharing of information between agencies, but, at the same time, ensure the privacy of individuals is protected.

Amendments proposed by the Justice and Electoral Committee include making it clear that no party could be compelled to share information under an agreement.

The committee also says social costs, including likely negative effects on children, should be taken into account before an agreement is put in place.

The Labour Party will support the bill, but says it takes a piecemeal approach.

The Green Party opposes it, saying it does not include strong enough privacy protection.