Positive Life NSW

Protecting your privacy

Recent amendments to the Privacy Act require us to safeguard the privacy of personal information, including health-related information, we hold, collect and store on you and organisations with which we deal. We are committed to protecting and maintaining the privacy, accuracy and security of your personal information and give a general right of access to that information.

When we collect your information, we will tell you what we want to do with it and respect your wishes and views. All Positive Life NSW staff and volunteers sign confidentiality agreements in accordance with our policy.

What is personal information?

Your health information or information about your sexual preferences is very sensitive and the Privacy Act respects that. It gives a higher level of protection to sensitive information. This may also include other information such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, professional or trade association membership, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs or criminal record.

Another type of sensitive information is health information and is concerned with your health or disability. This may include information about health services, and other personal information collected whilst providing advocacy referrals or any other assistance on your behalf.

How we collect and use your personal information

Your sensitive health information will only be collected where it is necessary to carry out the functions or activities of the organisation. These include the distribution of HIV-related material and publications, to keep accurate membership, subscription and volunteer details, and for purposes of advocacy or referral.

Wherever possible we will obtain consent from you before personal information is collected. We will only use your information or disclose it to someone else for the reasons we collected it and these are within reasonable expectations of what you expect, for example, service management or quality assurance.

When the law says we have to, disclosure of information may need to be made, for example, when someone's life is in danger, or when it is needed for court or legal proceedings, or for compassionate reasons.

Is your personal information stored safely?

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure the security of your personal information held by us from such risks as loss or unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure. Access is restricted to staff of the organisation that require information to perform their job functions and your requests.

We use up-to-date processes, which meet professional and ethical codes and standards to ensure that your personal information is kept secure and confidential.

You can access your personal information

You have a general right to access and to correct or update your personal information.

Your access is subject to some exceptions where it would be against the law, or where someone else's privacy may be seriously invaded, or it may pose a threat to life and health. If this is the case we will let you know why we have withheld access.

What to do if you want to access or make changes to your personal information

We will provide the means for you to manage and control the information that you have provided us. We will take all reasonable steps to correct the information so that it is accurate, complete and up to date. This service is free unless the information you request requires significant research or preparation time. Before we act upon requests of this nature, we will inform you in writing how much this service will cost.

You also have the right to withdraw your personal information from mailing lists including service updates, subscriptions and membership details.

To get access or update or correct your information you will need to complete a 'Privacy Inquiry' form which can be obtained by calling (02) 9206 2177, or by writing to us.

If you have a complaint about the way we manage your personal information we will promptly acknowledge and investigate that complaint. We will respond to your written request within 15 working days of receiving it.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may review and update our Privacy Policy. Revised versions will be posted on our website.

How to contact us

Our Privacy Policy is available by request, please contact our office on (02) 9206 2177 for a fact sheet. If you have any questions or comments about this Privacy Policy, or wish to request access or update or correct your personal information, please contact Positive Life NSW or call:

Telephone: 02 9206 2177
Freecall: 1800 245 677
Fax: 02 9211 5672

The Privacy Commissioner's website contains detailed information on privacy obligations including a copy of the Privacy Act and the Guidelines On Privacy In The Private Health Sector. The Guidelines set out the standards for collecting, storing, using and disclosing personal information.