Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has thrown a hand grenade into the disclosure of private information debate.
Attacked in the media by two welfare beneficiaries who criticised the support they were receiving, she took the unprecedented step of releasing to media the income they were receiving from the State – without getting their permission or even telling them that she was going to take this action.
Wow! Every bank, insurance company, utility and company that has been on the receiving end of one sided media stories based on consumer complaints will have taken note of this one.
For years, lawyers have warned companies not to talk to the media about individuals unless the individual has first provided the company with a waiver allowing them to discuss ‘private’ information. It has led to a great deal of teeth gritting when waivers were withheld.
The Minister’s reason for driving a truck through privacy legislation is that “she has the right to release information on individuals if they left out relevant details when publicising their situation”.
I agree totally. But if it’s good enough for her, then I reckon it’s good enough for my clients.
Significantly the information was not released under the protection of Parliamentary privilege and it’s a reasonable assumption that Paula cleared this brave defence in advance with her Cabinet colleagues and Ministry lawyers.
If not, she might have a wee problem!