MSD breaches client privacy again

Tuesday, 22 December 2009, 5:31 pm
Press Release: Wellington People's Centre

Kay Brereton Coordinator of the Wellington People's Centre says:

"It is shocking to see a front page story in the Dominion Post disclosing private information about Darryl Harris and his family. The article contains personal information from Mr and Mrs Harris' benefit file including medical diagnosis.

Hr Harris is at least the third beneficiary this year to suffer a breach of privacy and the release of personal details held by the Ministry of Social Development. This release gives information about his family, where he lives, what he drives, and even the registration number of his car.

Whether Mr Harris is entitled to the assistance he receives is a matter for the Ministry to investigate, but the detail released about him is not information that the public have a right to.

This is clearly part of a planned attack by the Ministry on its own clients; the poor and vulnerable members of our community. I expect it is a warning of things to come, and that we can expect a continuation of this lack of respect for the privacy and human rights of beneficiaries."

ENDS

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