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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION) ACT 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).

    (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 for subsection (2)

Strict liability applies to each physical element of this offence – see section 12B.

    (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 the Regulations; 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 accused ) intentionally discloses to another person the name and address 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 accused 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)     Section 12B does not apply to an offence against subsection (4).

    (6)     Subsection (4) does not apply if the disclosure of the name:

        (a)     is made with the consent of the individual mentioned in subsection (4)(b); or

        (b)     is required under a law.



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