The Queensland Government is moving to shut down unfair private car park enforcement by permanently removing access to personal vehicle registration data. This landmark reform follows mounting community frustration over excessive fines and privacy breaches linked to minor parking infringements.

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Currently, a temporary pause is in place on the release of vehicle registration information to private companies. That pause will remain until new legislative amendments are enacted to protect Queenslanders' personal data.

A Response to Public Outcry

The decision comes after the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) undertook a comprehensive policy review, which included consultation with the public. Feedback revealed strong opposition to private companies using personal vehicle information to issue fines for minor breaches—sometimes under questionable circumstances.

Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport Safety Regulation at TMR, reinforced the department's commitment to privacy:

"TMR is one of the largest holders of personal information in Queensland. It is critical that the legislation authorising its release is transparent, meets public expectations, and ensures appropriate safeguards."
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Legislative Change Ahead

The new legislation will permanently prevent the release of vehicle registration data to private car park operators. This means that private enforcement companies will no longer be able to obtain customer details for the purpose of issuing penalty notices.

These changes align Queensland with other Australian states and territories that have already limited or banned this practice.

Robinson added:

"These changes show the Queensland Government’s commitment to protecting the personal information of Queenslanders. Now more than ever, the community expects government to ensure that their data is used only for legislated purposes."

Protecting Drivers' Rights

This move is part of a broader effort to ensure personal data is only accessed for clear, justified, and lawful purposes. By removing access to registration details for private fines, the government is ensuring that vehicle laws are enforced only by authorised bodies with proper oversight.

The Queensland Government will maintain the current pause on data sharing with private parking firms until the new legislation is fully implemented.

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