State government agencies are allowed to share personal information in prescribed circumstances.

For example, personal information can be shared between agencies to prevent physical or life-threatening harm to a person or people, or as part of a criminal investigation.

Public Sector (Data Sharing) Act 2016

The Public Sector (Data Sharing) Act 2016 provides a framework for the sharing of information (including de-identified personal information) by state government agencies for the benefit of the state.

Information Sharing Guidelines

The Information Sharing Guidelines (ISG) are designed to give providers of services to children, young people and adults, confidence in sharing information when required to prevent harm or respond to current threats to safety and wellbeing.

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) has two training modules designed to aid in the use of the ISG:

• Introduction to Information Sharing Guidelines for Promoting Safety and Wellbeing – a 15-minute course providing an overview of the ISG.
• Information Sharing Guidelines for Promoting Safety and Wellbeing Induction for Staff and Supervisors – a 45-minute course targeted to front line staff, supervisors and policy makers who have detailed knowledge of the ISG and its application in their work.

You can find these training courses on DPC’s online training website.

Information Privacy Principles Exemptions

If a state government agency needs to share information outside of the Public Sector (Data Sharing) Act 2016, the ISG and the Information Privacy Principles, it may apply to the Privacy Committee of South Australia for an exemption.

A formal request for an exemption from the Information Privacy Principles Instruction can be made using the Information Privacy Principles Exemption Template .  Requests for exemption will be assessed by the Privacy Committee.

Agencies are encouraged to contact the Privacy Committee's Executive Officer before preparing their paperwork to discuss the exemption process.

Extensions to approved exemptions may also be sought.