The breach is deeply embarrassing as it comes at a time when Government is trying to persuade non-government organisations (NGOs) to share detailed, sensitive information about their clients.
It also gives fresh ammunition for Opposition parties to attack National’s much-vaunted social investment approach, which depends on greater information-sharing among agencies.
‘‘Embarrassing isn’t the word,’’ Mrs Tolley said this week. ‘‘I am furious.’’
The matter was now ‘‘an employment issue’’, she said.
She would not go into further detail, but said it was ‘‘pretty serious’’ and had been referred to the chief executive.
Mrs Tolley revealed on Wednesday the information-sharing system at the Ministry for Social Development had been shut down after one provider was found to be able to view information in another provider’s folder. — NZME
