Privacy Policy
Anglicare Victoria respects your privacy
We are committed to protecting your personal information and handling it in a safe, respectful and lawful way.
This statement explains how we collect, use, store and share personal information in line with State and Commonwealth legislation and how you can access your information or raise a privacy concern.
What information we collect
To provide our services, we may collect personal information such as:
- your name, DOB, address, gender, cultural identity and contact details
- information about your circumstances, wellbeing and support needs
- information about your family, carers or other services involved with you
Some information we collect may be sensitive, including health or wellbeing information. We only collect this information where it is necessary to provide services or where required or permitted by law.
You do not have to provide information you are not comfortable sharing. However, if relevant information is not provided, we may not be able to deliver the service you are seeking.
How we collect information
We usually collect information directly from you where possible. We may also collect information from:
- an authorised representative (such as a parent, carer or advocate)
- other services involved in your support
- referrals or other lawful sources
Where information is collected from a third party, we take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware of this.
How we use and share information
We use personal information to:
- provide services and support
- communicate with you
- manage and improve our services
- meet legal, funding and reporting requirements
We only share your information when:
- you have given consent, or
- sharing is required or permitted by law
This may include sharing information to:
- protect your safety or the safety of others
- meet mandatory reporting obligations
- respond to court orders or subpoenas
- comply with funding or regulatory requirements
Information sharing schemes
Under Victoria’s Child Information Sharing Scheme and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme, information may be shared to support child wellbeing and safety or to assess and manage family violence risk.
Keeping your information secure
The protection of your personal information is a priority for Anglicare Victoria and we take action to prevent unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure or alteration. This applies to both electronic records and paper files.
We do not disclose or store information outside of Australia and keep information only for as long as required by law or for service delivery and then securely dispose of it.
Any unauthorised use or loss of personal information is reported to external agencies as required i.e. Office of the Australian Information Commission (OAIC).
Accessing or correcting your information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to ask for corrections if it is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.
Requests can be made to your worker or by contacting us directly. We will ask for proof of identity before providing access to ensure your information remains secure.
In some situations, access may be limited where required by law, such as to protect another person’s privacy or safety.
Accessing another person’s information
If you are requesting information on behalf of someone else (for example, as a lawyer, advocate, or authorised representative), you will need to provide evidence of your authority to act on their behalf.
Requests are assessed on a case by case basis in line with legal requirements.
Use of AI at Anglicare Victoria
We aim to leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence while safeguarding client information. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used only to enhance business efficiency and client information is not processed or disclosed on open AI platforms. Any new platforms are introduced only after a thorough review and assessment process.
Privacy concerns or complaints
If you have a concern about how your personal information has been handled, or wish to make a privacy complaint, you can contact Anglicare Victoria’s Privacy Officer.
We take privacy complaints seriously and aim to respond in a timely, fair and respectful way. Complaints can be made verbally or in writing and may be made anonymously (noting that anonymity can sometimes limit how a complaint is investigated).
If you feel your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner www.oaic.gov.au.
Contact us
Privacy Officer
Anglicare Victoria
PO Box 45, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Phone: 1800 809 722
Email: [email protected]
