The Tasmanian Department of State Growth has launched an investigation after accidentally emailing the private information of 190 people to an external client.
The data breach occurred through the Conveyance Allowance program, which provides financial assistance to eligible people with disabilities for transport costs.
Personal information of the 190 clients from 2023 was sent to the individual in response to a “request for information from that client about their own payments”.
The “unintended disclosure” error was “immediately identified” and the recipient was asked to delete the email without opening or accessing the data, a spokesperson said on Friday evening.
State Growth did not say when the email was sent.
“Although we have assurances the information has not been retained or accessed, we have written to all clients whose details were included to provide these assurances,” the spokesperson said.
The information released included name and address details, some banking information and information on claims or payments made under the program.
“We apologise for any distress caused to those involved and we are currently reviewing our procedures to ensure this can’t happen again,” the spokesperson said.
“We have also notified the Tasmanian Ombudsman and will adopt any recommendations that may be made.”
