298DExceptional circumstances

298D Exceptional circumstances (1) This section applies if the Minister is satisfied that— (a) exceptional circumstances exist or have occurred, whether in or outside Victoria; and (b) it is appropriate to use or disclose relevant information in accordance with this section during or in the aftermath of those exceptional circumstances. S. 298D(2) amended by No. 34/2023 s. 127(Sch. 1 item 7.166). (2) On being notified that the Minister is satisfied of the matters referred to in subsection (1), Safe Transport Victoria must publish a notice on Safe Transport Victoria's Internet site stating that— (a) the Minister is satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (1); and S. 298D(2)(b) amended by No. 34/2023 s. 127(Sch. 1 item 7.166(a)). (b) accordingly, Safe Transport Victoria or a relevant person may use or disclose relevant information for the purpose of dealing with the exceptional circumstances. S. 298D(3) amended by No. 34/2023 s. 127(Sch. 1 item 7.166). (3) While a notice under subsection (2) remains published on Safe Transport Victoria's Internet site, but not later than 12 months after the date on which the notice is first published, Safe Transport Victoria or a relevant person may use or disclose relevant information if— S. 298D(3)(a) amended by No. 34/2023 s. 127(Sch. 1 item 7.166(a)). (a) Safe Transport Victoria or the relevant person reasonably believes that the individual to whom the relevant information relates may be or may have been involved in, or affected by, the exceptional circumstances; and (b) the use or disclosure is for a permitted purpose in relation to the exceptional circumstances; and (c) the disclosure is to an agency or organisation that— (i) is, or is likely to be, involved in managing, or assisting in the management of, the exceptional circumstances; or (ii) is directly involved in providing government services, medical or other treatment, health services or financial or other humanitarian assistance to individuals involved in the exceptional circumstances; and (d) the disclosure is not to a media organisation. (4) For the purposes of this section— ***exceptional circumstances*** are circumstances which— (a) endanger, or threaten to endanger, the life, health or safety of any individual; or (b) destroy or damage, or threaten to destroy or damage, any property, the environment or part of the environment; **Examples** Events such as natural disasters, fires, explosions, accidents, unlawful acts (whether actual or threatened) and disruptions to essential services may constitute exceptional circumstances. ***permitted purpose*** means a purpose that directly relates to the State's response to the exceptional circumstances in respect of which the notice under subsection (2) has been published, including any of the following purposes— (a) identifying individuals who— (i) are, or may be, injured, missing or dead as a result of the exceptional circumstances; or (ii) are, or may be, otherwise involved in the exceptional circumstances; (b) assisting individuals involved in the exceptional circumstances to obtain services such as government services, medical or other treatment, health services or financial or other humanitarian assistance; (c) assisting with law enforcement in relation to the exceptional circumstances; (d) coordination or management of the exceptional circumstances. S. 298E inserted by No. 55/2017 s. 28.