Your Privacy
The Hotline will ensure that each consumer's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality is recognised and respected. All personal client information obtained in the course of advice or service will be handled in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act (1988).
If you make a report to the Hotline, you will be asked to provide as much relevant information as possible. A record of this information will be made. The information you provide will only be used for the purpose for which it was provided. In some cases, it may be necessary for the information to be passed to another disability or enforcement organisation for investigation into the matters raised. Where possible, your consent to disclose the information in these circumstances will be sought. The information provided may ultimately lead to action up to and including legal proceedings.
You may provide information to the Hotline anonymously. Should you choose to provide your name and contact information to the Hotline, you may ask that your information be kept confidential. The Hotline will endeavour to maintain the confidentiality of your information where possible.
Hotline staff are required to ensure that client files, information and records are securely stored and that staff observe the privacy principles when dealing with the personal information of people using the service. The only exceptions to this are:
- when staff become aware that a serious crime has been committed
or when there is a serious threat to public or individual safety.
Such cases will immediately be brought to the attention of the
Hotline manager who may decide, in the public interest, to report
it to the Police;
- if the service is legally required or authorised to divulge the information (for example, to Police under a warrant, or to a court under a subpoena).
More information about the Privacy Act can be obtained from the Privacy Commissioner's web site at: www.privacy.gov.au