We recognise that we hold a position of trust in holding your personal and sensitive information. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, Far North Coast have a strong commitment to maintaining the privacy of clients contacting the Centre.

1. In compliance with the Privacy Act 2001 the Centre will adhere to the following privacy principles:
2. The Centre will only collect personal / sensitive information which is directly related to a function or activity of our service.
3. The Centre staff will inform clients from whom they seek personal / sensitive information, prior to collection or as soon as practicable thereafter:
   • The purpose of the collection of information.
   • Any third party which information will be sent to.
4. Personal / sensitive information will only be used for the purposes which are relevant.
5. The Centre will strive to ensure the information collected is relevant to the purpose of collection, is of good quality and not too intrusive.
6. The Centre will ensure that any personal / sensitive information is securely kept and access is limited to appropriate members of staff.
7. Clients have a right of access to their personal information.
8. The Centre will not disclose to anyone else personal information, except:
   • Where the individual concerned is reasonably likely to have been aware, or made aware under Principle 2, of the practice of disclosure.
   • With the consent of the person.
   • To prevent a serious and imminent threat to a person’s life or health.
   • As required or authorised by law.
   • Where reasonably necessary for the enforcement of criminal or revenue law.

Any recipient of the information under one of these exceptions may only use it for the purpose for which it was disclosed.

The Centre’s full privacy policy is a public document and access will be granted on request.

For further information or explanation please contact the Program Manager.