Who can access restricted information

Types of information that different people may access.

A “registered person” means the person to whom the information or certificate relates: for example the registered person is the child on a birth certificate, or a spouse on a marriage certificate.

People

Generally, when information is still in the restricted period, only the following people can access it:

Types of information that different people may access
Relationship to the registered personMay access information relating to...
SelfThemselves
Parent or guardian (if the registered person is under 18)The registered person's birth or death
Next-of-kinThe registered person's death only
Attorney under a power of AttorneyThe registered person by providing a certified copy of the Power of Attorney
Legal practitioner

Their client (the registered person), if:

  • their client is eligible for the information requested; and
  • the legal practitioner registers their details as a legal practitioner and proves their identity
Funeral directorThe registered person's death (on behalf of their next-of-kin)

If a person does not meet these eligibility requirements, they must provide permission (known as third party authority) from the registered person or next-of-kin (where the registered person is deceased).

Organisations

Generally, organisations can request access to information relating to an individual or many people under the following categories:

  1. Statistical or research purposes
  2. Administrative purposes (for example, for data validation, legislative compliance or law enforcement)

Each category is assessed according to its own criteria. BDM takes into account the public interest, a person’s right to privacy and the purpose for which the data will be used. For more information contact us using our contact form and include ‘data sharing principles’ in your message.

All applicants must have an adequate reason to access the information

Anyone applying to access information during its restricted period must have an adequate reason. For further information see: Applicants must have an adequate reason to access the information.

Updated