Special Care Australia and Care Australia is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.

We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.aoic.gov.au

What is your personal information and how do we collect it?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include names, addresses, email addresses, phone and facsimile numbers. This Personal Information is obtained in many ways including interviews, correspondence, by telephone and facsimile, by email, via our website www.specialcareaust.com.au, from media and publications, from other publicly available sources, from cookies and from third parties. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.

Why do we collect your personal information?

We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients and marketing. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing. When we collect Personal Information, we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

Sensitive information will be used by us only:

• For the primary purpose for which it was obtained
• For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose
• With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.

Disclosure of Personal information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:

• Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
• Where required or authorised by law.

How is your information stored?

Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure. Your information is stored securely both as- electronically and as hard copy files. The hard copy files are secured in locked filling cabinet which is only accessible to Disability Services staff in the organisation. The electronic copies are saved in secure and password protected database on Amazon Servers based in Australia, Sydney.

Note- The organisation will store your information for 7 years after the cessation of the service, as stipulated by the VIC Government Sate Records- ‘General retention and disposal authorities’. We will also ensure to follow the Record Keeping practices according to the NDIS guidelines.

Who has access to your personal information collected by us?

Your information will only be accessible to the Disability Services staff in the organisation and will never be shared with any other personnel or programs in the organisation without your consent.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

How can you access your personal information?

You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.

Special Care Australia and Care Australia will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information. In order to protect your Personal Information, we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.

Maintaining the quality of your personal information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.

How can you complain about a breach of privacy?

If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may contact the Director and provide details of the incident so that we can investigate it. We will investigate the complaint and respond to you within 28 days. The organisation is highly committed towards supporting the complainant through the Complaints and Appeals procedure. Alternatively, you can refer to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for complains involving privacy matters. Staff will provide additional details and information of relevant advocates such as NDIS Commission, Ombudsman

How to contact us

Telephone: 0410 770 722

Email: info@specialcareaust.com.au

Name and signature of the participant to acknowledge this Privacy Statement