Privacy and Confidentiality

We are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality and we recognise our responsibilities concerning the collection, disclosure and use of information under the National Privacy Principles of the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998. We have developed a full organisational policy on privacy and confidentiality which is available to all staff and clients.

All staff, as a condition of employment, are required to sign confidentiality and privacy agreements in accordance with the NSW 'Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002' and the 'Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988' and are legally bound to  abide by said agreements.

We keep files with personal information about each of our clients. We only collect and use information that is relevant to the service we provide. The information we collect helps us to:

• decide if we are the most appropriate service for you.
• administer and manage your progress.
• obtain funding for our program.
• meet the requirements of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and registration requirements for Centrelink. 

We only collect information from organisations and individuals you give us permission to approach. We ask for your written consent when we require to release or get information about you.

The only time we will release information about you WITHOUT your consent is if the information:

• will prevent or reduce serious or imminent threat (including physical, mental health, illness or death) to you or another person.
• Is required or authorised by law; or
• Is reasonably necessary for the enforcement of the law

You can request to access the personal information we hold about you by calling or writing to us. You will need to give us full details of what you would like to know or see. If you contact us by telephone, we will ask you questions to help identify you - we do this to protect your (and others') personal information.

All files and records that hold personal information will be kept in locked filing cabinets (or secure computer systems) in our offices (secured premises).

Help with Privacy:

The NSW Privacy Commissioner can help investigate breaches of privacy or complaints.

Contact details are:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner

PO Box A2122
Sydney South NSW 2001

Level 17, Pacific Power Building
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02)9268 5588 - Fax: (02) 9268 5501

Email:
privacy_nsw@agd.nsw.gov.au
  or 
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/pc

Information:
NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002
and    
Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988