Reporter gets apology for privacy breach after leak

FAIRFAX political reporter Andrea Vance has received an apology from Parliamentary Service over a breach of her privacy during an investigation into a leaked report.

In a statement, both Parliamentary Service and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) acknowledged ‘‘the personal hurt and humiliation that Ms Vance suffered as a result of personal information about her being accessed and released’’.

‘‘While the agreement is confidential, we can say that the Parliamentary Service unreservedly apologises for its part, and DPMC regrets any part its actions played in contributing to that position,’’ a spokesman said.

The privacy complaint arose after David Henry, a former commissioner of Inland Revenue, was asked to investigate who leaked a report written by Cabinet secretary Rebecca Kitteridge into the Government Communications Security Bureau.

Vance’s parliamentary

swipe card and phone records were accessed during the investigation.

Fairfax group executive editor Sinead Boucher welcomed the resolution of Vance’s complaint.

‘‘I am happy that this complaint has been resolved to Andrea’s satisfaction, and in a way that recognises the importance of journalists protecting their communications and the confidentiality of their sources.’’

A spokesman for the two agencies said they had given assurances they would establish robust process around the collection and disclosure of information.

That would take into account the recommendations made after an investigation by Parliament’s privileges committee, ‘‘particularly around the privilege afforded by law to journalists’’.

It led to Revenue Minister Peter Dunne resigning his portfolios after he refused to give the inquiry all the emails it wanted. He denied being the source of the leak.

Henry’s report did not point the finger at Dunne, but said that he could not be ruled out as he refused to hand over his emails.