We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, members, donors, volunteers and staff.
We support the principles of the Federal Privacy Act, 1988 and relevant state and territory Acts on the issue of privacy and records protection.
We provide clients and potential clients with a statement of the National Privacy Principles and a Consent Form.
We will take every effort to ensure that all client information is kept securely, and to prevent its unauthorised use or disclosure.
All staff and volunteers of ISS are required to sign a confidentiality pledge in relation to any client details that they may come across in their work.
We will not provide information or contact details about clients, members, donors, volunteers or staff of ISS to any other person without her/his prior consent being given. An exception to this rule may be professionally exercised in the best interests of a client where there are serious concerns for the client’s safety.
ISS will not sell, rent or trade information about clients, members, donors, volunteers or staff of ISS.
Summary client details (name, state and file number) are kept on a client database for the purposes of file management and statistical analysis. All other details about a client (date of birth, address, citizenship status etc.) are not kept on the database, but are kept in a secure, manual client file. Statistical analysis is compiled on a consolidated basis and does not contain individual identifying details.
Contact details of members, donors, sponsors and referring agencies are kept on a supporters database for the purposes of mailing out newsletters, reports, invitations, and membership renewal requests. The database details will not be disclosed to any other party. If you wish to be removed from the database, please advise us. Members and donors names are published in the ISS Annual Report, unless s/he advises ISS that they do not want her/his name published.
If you have any queries, want to request access to your file, or wish
to make a complaint, please contact the ISS Privacy Officer, Lis de Vries
a the above address. You can also obtain further information and/or refer
unresolved complaints to the Federal Privacy Commission, state/territory
Privacy Commissioner or a relevant health services commissioner.