Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin has blamed a “technical glitch” after a survey sent by her office exposed respondents’ private data to each other.
The Labor MP issued a community-wide survey asking for feedback on a proposed connector road between Empire Avenue and Pearson Street which would reduce traffic congestion and rat runs through Floreat and Churchlands.
She says she became aware of the privacy breach just after midnight last Friday, after a person completing the survey told Ms Tonkin they could see and access a list of names of people who had taken the survey.
The questionnaire had asked for a “yes” or “no” answer as to whether the person supported a connector road along the Stephenson Highway Reserve.
Respondents were also asked for surnames, contact phone numbers, email addresses and street addresses with postcodes.
“We need to collect respondent details on this very important matter to ensure that there are only genuine respondents,” Ms Tonkin said.
“It is also very important to know where people live because of the varying impacts of the building of a connector road on the different parts of the area.”
In an email sent to 103 respondents following the breach, Ms Tonkin said she became aware a “summary report of submissions” had been accessed by more than one person.
However, she said the exposed data “did not connect” people’s details.
“There was a technical glitch that allowed this to occur,” the email said.
“The summary reports included separate unconnected fields . . . for example the report included a list of the first name of respondents, disconnected from another field showing the surnames, disconnected from another address field etc.
“I apologise sincerely for this breach and thank you for your helpful responses.”
Perth Lord Mayor and Churchlands Liberal hopeful Basil Zempilas slammed the breach as “not good enough” on Thursday.
![Basil Zempilas has announced he will be seeking WA Liberal Party preselection for the seat of Churchlands. PIctured is Basil as he addresses the media at McLean Park in Floreat](https://timesofsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/e66283944a7292c21da85e8dc07a92e9a9ea1281.jpg)
“Everyone who collects private data has an obligation to keep it secure and private,” he said.
“This is a breach of Churchlands’ residents’ trust and is not good enough.”
Mr Zempilas also said he had questions over the timing of the issue.
“The Labor Party has had eight years to solve this problem of Stephenson Ave and now magically in the lead-up to the election, the Labor member is suddenly showing some interest,” he said.
“Where has this concern been before now?”
Ms Tonkin said she wanted to understand the views of her electorate before making a bid to her Government colleagues.
“The City of Stirling is seeking the support of the State Government to build the road, and I would like to know the views of the electorate before advocating for State Government support,” she said.
The Churchlands incumbent has held her seat since 2021 and will take on Mr Zempilas at next year’s State election.