Embedding the APS Values: Case studies and other supporting material

Please note: These documents are for reference purposes only and are no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. They may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.

globe Useful references

Case study 32:
Australian Bureau of Statistics:
Confidentiality and security of information

Background

The Australian Bureau of Statistics's (ABS's) commitment to confidentiality and security of information is grounded in provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905 (the Act), which prohibits ABS employees disclosing, other than as allowed by the Act, any information provided to the ABS in consequence of its legislative authority.

The Act imposes obligations on the ABS to publish and disseminate compilations and analyses of statistical information, and to maintain the confidentiality of information collected under the Act. On joining the ABS each employee is required to sign an Undertaking of Fidelity and Secrecy. Failure to comply with the undertaking is an indictable offence which can result in a significant fine or period of imprisonment.

However, confidentiality and secrecy of information is not simply an ABS legislative obligation. It is fundamental to ensuring the trust of providers-a core ABS principle. Without the trust of providers the capacity of the ABS to operate effectively and to achieve its mission would be considerably hampered if not irreparably damaged.

The confidentiality and secrecy of information has been a cornerstone of ABS operations since its inception and a responsibility which staff take very seriously. ABS staff are committed to, and take pride in, retaining the organisation's strong reputation for maintaining the secrecy of data.

Description

The importance of confidentiality and secrecy of information to the continued high performance and reputation of the ABS is established in its culture not only through the Undertaking of Fidelity and Secrecy, but also through:

induction programs for new employees, which incorporate sessions on ABS legislation and ABS Principles, including the compact with providers of statistical information
management training programs, which incorporate sessions on ABS legislation, ABS Principles and the mutual obligations statement central to the ABS Corporate Plan
intranet access by all staff to ABS legislation and related policies including the ABS's obligation to ensure the confidentiality of information
online resources, such as video presentations on relevant topics, which are readily available to all staff through the ABS intranet
strong physical and information technology security systems and well defined policies on data retention strategies.

Key APS Value

The APS has the highest ethical standards. (s. 10(1)(d) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

PAUL SULLIVAN
PHONE 02 6252 7809
paul.sullivan@abs.gov.au