How much assistance can a detainees family expect to receive?
Consular officers can often be a key link between Australians detained overseas and their families back home. Under the Privacy Act 1988, however, in most cases consular officers can only pass on information to a detainee’s family with the explicit consent of the detainee. This means that, unless permission is granted by the detainee, a consular officer will not even be able to confirm that an individual is in prison. A detainee is typically asked to select one family member, or friend if they wish, to whom they would like the consular officer to provide information about their case and well-being. It is then up to that person to update other family members and friends. In some instances the detainee will be able to speak to their family directly and it will not be necessary for information to be passed via a consular officer.
