Privacy Statement

Client Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

The Service recognises the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and is committed to protecting the privacy of its clients. Committee of Management members, staff members and volunteers shall not communicate, publish, release or disclose to any person information provided to them and/or the Service in the course of their work that is likely to lead to the identification of a client(s) and/or identification of a client’s legal problem, except:

l in the course of the delivery of services; or

l with the informed consent of the client or the client’s Parent, Guardian or Attorney under Power of Attorney; or

l as authorised or permitted by law.

Client Information Disclosure and Use Policy

Client information will not be used or disclosed for any purposes other those stated in accordance with this policy and procedure manual, or unless an exception under state or federal law applies.

Where a parent or guardian wishes to speak to a staff member regarding their child under 18 who is a client of the service the client must have given express authority to the Service to do so.

Security of Client Information Policy

The Service will take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information held by it, is protected from misuse, loss and from unauthorised access, modification and disclosure.

Access to Client Information Policy

A client may ask to view their personal information. Under the privacy laws, clients have the right to request access to their file at no cost. The Service will allow clients access to their files upon request and within a reasonable timeframe except where access is prohibited by law (including professional duties) or an exception under state or federal law applies (eg. where access would create a public health or safety risk).

Complaints

Complaints about breaches of confidentiality or privacy can be made through the Service’s Client Complaints policy.

Complaints about breaches of privacy can also be made to:

Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner

GPO Box 5218

Sydney NSW 2001

Ph: 1300 363 992

http://www.privacy.gov.au or

Office of the Victorian Privacy Commissioner

GPO Box 5057

Melbourne VIC 3001

Ph: 1300 666 444

http://www.privacy.vic.gov.au or

For more information about the Confidentiality and Privacy Policy and Procedure of the Wyndham Legal Service Inc., please contact the Service directly.