12NSecretary’s certificate

#### 12N Secretary’s certificate (1) Despite sections 12L and 12M, the Secretary may: (a) if the Secretary certifies that it is necessary in the public interest to do so in a particular case or class of cases—disclose information acquired by an officer in the performance of his or her functions or duties or in the exercise of his or her powers under this Act or a family assistance law to such persons and for such purposes as the Secretary determines; or (b) disclose any such information to the Secretary of a Department of State of the Commonwealth or to the head of an authority of the Commonwealth for the purposes of that Department or authority; or (c) disclose any such information to a person who is expressly or impliedly authorised by the person to whom the information relates to obtain it. > Note: A person to whom information is disclosed may commit an offence if the person uses the information without authority (see section 12L). (2) In giving certificates for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the Secretary must act in accordance with guidelines in force under subsection 12P(1). (3) In disclosing information under paragraph (1)(b), the Secretary must act in accordance with guidelines in force under subsection 12P(1).