Information privacy principles
The Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) contains the 11 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) previously endorsed under IS42, which requires the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland to adhere to, and responsibly manage the collection, use, storage and disclosure of 'personal information'.
Personal information is defined within the IP Act as:
'Personal information is information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.'
How to make an IP access or amendment application
Under the IP Act you can request a copy of a document, a part of a document or an extract from a document that relates to your own personal information. To seek access to a document relating to your personal information, you may submit an Information Privacy Access form.
You can submit an application to amend your personal information directly to the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland using the Information Privacy Personal Information Amendment application.
To request information held by the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland, your application must:
- be on the Information Privacy Access form
- provide sufficient information to identify the documents you want to access
- provide an address to which notices can be provided
- specify the particular information you wish to have amended
- give details as to why the information is believed to be incomplete, incorrect, out-of-date or misleading
- provide certified proof of identity if you are seeking access to your personal information and
- include a valid authorisation and proof of identity of an agent if a third party is acting on your behalf.
If your application does not meet these requirements, the Right to Information and Information Privacy Coordinator will provide you with reasonable assistance to amend the application so that it does comply.
How much does an IP Act application cost?
There are no processing charges associated with applications made under the IP Act for personal information relating to the applicant.
How long will it take?
Once your application and all of the requirements (as listed above) are received the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland must then make a decision about your application within 25 business days. A further 10 business days is added for consultations with third parties pursuant to section 56 of the IP Act.
What if I am dissatisfied with the decision?
The IP Act provides for two levels of review.
Internal review
An internal review must be applied for within 20 days from the date you were given the notice of the decision. A person senior to the original decision-maker will review your application and finalise the review within 20 business days of receipt of your application. Reasons will be given if access or amendment is still refused. The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland must finalise this review within 20 business days of receipt of your application.
Applications for internal review should be directed to:
Right to Information & Information Privacy Coordinator
Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland
PO Box 3640
South Brisbane BC Qld 4101
External review
Under the IP Act you are not required to seek an internal review prior to applying for an external review by the Information Commissioner. If you choose to apply firstly for an internal review and are dissatisfied with the decision, you have 20 business days from the date you received the notice of the results of the internal review to apply for external review. If you choose to proceed straight to external review, you must apply for such within 20 business days from the date you were given the original notice of decision from the agency.
For more information about requesting an external review, visit the Office of the Information Commissioner.
Applications for external review should be directed to:
Office of the Information Commissioner
PO Box 10143
Adelaide Street
Brisbane Qld 4001