Civil libs’ library probe

CIVIL libertarians have asked the Queensland Information Commissioner to investigate reasons why city councillors have been given access to the personal information of library card holders.

The Queensland Council of Civil Liberties (QCCL) has urged the commissioner to look into the reasons for the change and the risk of the personal data being “misused or disclosed improperly”. QCCL has also asked how the council will mitigate risk of ratepayers’ personal details being leaked.

The libraries this month wrote to card holders advising them their personal details would be available for reasons related to the libraries and other council “functions and services”. The council declined to explain what “functions and services” councillors, council employees and “authorised officers” needed library members’ details for. Sources say the move will allow the mayor and councillors access to a wider database of engaged residents.

The Office of the Information Commissioner said it intended to “make general inquiries” of the council about the changes. However, the issue will not be treated formally as only an individual can make an official complaint.

Gold Coast Residents and Ratepayers president Tom Bleier said he would ask members if they wanted to make an official complaint.

He said some people were concerned but others were unaware of the issue. “Some might shrug their shoulders and say personal information is no longer private anyway.”

The Gold Coast City Council declined to comment as the “the Information Commissioner is considering the complaint”.