Privacy, Dignity, Confidentiality
Policy Statement
Empowerment House Australia is bound by the Privacy Act (1988), which sets out 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) regulating how we collect, hold, use, and disclose personal information, and how inpiduals may access and correct their personal information.
Empowerment House Australia is bound by the Privacy Act (1988), which sets out 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) regulating how we collect, hold, use, and disclose personal information, and how inpiduals may access and correct their personal information.
This document outlines how we collect, manage, store, and use personal information, as well as how we may disclose information in delivering our services. This policy applies to all records, whether hard copy or electronic.
Empowerment House Australia Principles
Empowerment House Australia will:
- Meet its legal and ethical obligations as an employer and service provider to protect the privacy of customers and staff.
- Require staff, directors, volunteers, and customers to sign a Confidentiality Form, demonstrating their understanding of their rights and responsibilities in protecting privacy and confidentiality.
- Ensure customers and staff are informed about their rights regarding privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
- Collect personal information fairly and lawfully, only with consent.
- Collect and store only necessary personal information for organisational functioning.
- Inform customers and staff about what personal information is held, why, and how it is collected, used, and disclosed.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date.
- Allow customers/staff to access, review, and correct their information.
- Protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
- Ensure staff access customer files only as needed for their duties.
- Instruct staff on procedures for releasing information.
- Provide privacy and dignity when discussing sensitive matters.
- Destroy or de-identify personal information when no longer needed, in compliance with legal retention periods.
- Adhere to the Privacy Act 1988, including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, and the Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017.
Detailed Information on Empowerment House Australia’s Privacy Principles
Personal and Sensitive Information We Hold & Collect
We collect personal and sensitive information only when necessary for service provision, fundraising,
or lawful business operations.
This includes information about customers and staff that is reasonably necessary for Empowerment House Australia’s functions. We will seek consent before using information for purposes other than originally intended.
Types of Information Collected
Personal information includes:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Signature
- Addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone/fax numbers
- Bank account details
We collect this primarily to provide services. It may also be used for closely related secondary purposes.
Sensitive information (e.g., medical records, racial/ethnic origin, criminal record, health data) is disclosed only for its primary purpose or with consent.
Storage, Retention & Disposal of Personal Information
We protect personal information through:
- Password-protected IT systems
- Locked physical files
- Restricted access
Information is retained as required by law (e.g., employee records). When no longer needed, we securely destroy or de-identify records.
Overseas data transfer occurs only with consent, in compliance with the Privacy Act.
Data Security & Protection
We store personal information securely to prevent misuse, loss, or unauthorised access. Measures include:
- IT system audits
- Staff training
- Secure website data handling (cookies may be used for functionality and marketing; opt-out options are provided).
Third-Party Disclosures
We collect personal information directly from inpiduals where possible. If received from third parties, we will notify you.
Disclosures to third parties occur only with consent or under APPs. We do not sell personal data.
Request to Access or Correct Personal Information
Requests for access/correction must be submitted in writing. We will review based on:
- Relevance to the requester
- Impact on others’ privacy
- Legal or safety considerations
Denials will be explained in writing.
Contact for requests:
- Customers: admin@empowermenthouse.com.au
- General enquiries: admin@empowermenthouse.com.au or 08 6377 7428 or 0413 698 441
Privacy Complaints & Breaches
If a privacy breach occurs, affected inpiduals will be notified immediately, along with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Complaints should be directed to Empowerment House Australia. We aim to resolve issues within 30 days (or longer for complex cases). Unresolved complaints may be escalated to the Privacy Commissioner.
Additional Resources for Staff
Internal privacy procedures are available via HR.
Contact Us
For privacy queries or complaints:
- Email: admin@empowermenthouse.com.au
- Phone: 08 6377 7428 or 0413 698 441
Responsibilities and Delegations
- Scope: Applies to all customers, staff, volunteers, directors, and partners.
- Responsibilities: Managers ensure staff/customers understand this policy. Staff are accountable for compliance.
- Consultation: Operations Manager, Risk Manager, HR Manager, Compliance Officer.
Policy Context (Relevant Standards and Legislation)
- National Standards for Disability Services (Standard 1 – Rights)
- NDIS Practice Standards (Core Module)
- NDIS Act 2013
- Privacy Act 1988 & Amendments
Website Terms
Disclaimer
Empowerment House Australia (ABN: 16671328680) operates this website. We are a non-government, non-political, non-denominational organisation.
- Views expressed by external parties do not necessarily reflect our official stance.
- This site is for informational purposes, not professional advice.
- We are not liable for any loss/damage arising from site use.
- Imagery/content remains our property and requires permission for reuse.
Copyright
Reproduction of site content requires prior written permission, except for fair dealing under Australian copyright law.
Website Security
While we take security measures, the internet carries inherent risks. We are not liable for viruses or unauthorised access.
Feedback
We welcome suggestions at admin@empowermenthouse.com.au
Contact Empowerment House Australia:
- Email: admin@empowermenthouse.com.au
- Phone: 08 6377 7428 or 0413 698 441
- ABN : 16671328 680
