Bureaucrat charged after 1000 vehicle rego details released

A Department of State Growth worker has been stood down after being charged by police with releasing 1000 vehicle registration details to a debt collector. LATEST >>

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A Department of State Growth worker has been stood down after being charged by police with releasing 1000 vehicle registration details to a debt collector.

The department confirmed on Thursday afternoon a staff member had been charged by Tasmania Police in relation to the alleged unauthorised release of personal information from the national vehicle registration database.

“We have stood down the staff member pending an internal Code of Conduct investigation,” a statement read.

“It is alleged that over a four-year period around 1000 vehicle registration records were inappropriately accessed and released to an external party for debt recovery purposes.

“The records in question were not limited to Tasmanian residents.”

Tasmania Police confirmed the alleged offender, a 34-year old Hobart woman, was charged with unauthorised access to a computer after an investigation that began in March.

The department is now in the process of contacting Tasmanian residents whose information may have been released.

“We are working with other state and territory authorities to notify those affected in their respective jurisdictions,” the department said.

Measures to restrict further access to the system and increase direct oversight have been implemented, according to the department.

External experts have also been engaged to review the departments’ information security and access arrangements.

“The department is deeply sorry for any concern that this alleged incident may cause,” the department said.

“Any Tasmanian residents with concerns that their details may have been released because of an apparent hastening of debt recovery proceedings against them can contact a dedicated hotline on 6165 6622 for confirmation.”

The woman was bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court in September.

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