A7.75 Requests for information by other Government agencies (29/11/2010)

1. Some Government agencies are entitled to request information under relevant legislation. For example, under s.11 of the Social Security Act 1964 Work and Income (Ministry of Social Development) may, by notice in writing, require any person (including any person who is an officer or employee in the service of the Crown in a Government department or public body - other than as an officer of a court) to provide Work and Income (Ministry of Social Development) or a specified employee of theirs with such information as the Director General requires.
2. Section 17 of the Tax Administration Act 1994 gives similar power to officers of the Inland Revenue.
3. It is not a breach of privacy to supply this information as section 7 of the Privacy Act states:

   "7. Savings:—Nothing in principle 6 or principle 11 derogates from any provision that is contained in any enactment and that authorizes or requires personal information to be made available."

   However, always ensure that the request is in writing and that it details the relevant statutory authority.

Effective 29/11/2010