Privacy 

We’re committed to keeping personal and sensitive information private.

Uniting WA ensures that information is collected, maintained, used, stored and disposed of, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and associated amendments.

Uniting WA’s Privacy Policy outlines exactly how we handle information, as guided by the Australian Privacy Principles.

You can access our Privacy Policy here.
You can see a summary of our Privacy Policy here, and an easy read version here.

What is personal information?

Personal information is any information, or opinion, which identifies (or could reasonably identify) an individual, including someone’s:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Health or medical information
• Family details

What is sensitive information?

A subset of personal information that is deemed ‘sensitive’ in nature, including information about someone’s:

• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions or memberships
• Religious beliefs or affiliations
• Philosophical beliefs
• Professional memberships or trade associations
• Sexual orientation
• Criminal record 

How is information collected?

Uniting WA only collects personal information that relates to the organisation’s operations (such as the provision of our services, or the employment of workers).

Wherever possible, personal information is collected directly from the individual.

Occasionally, information may be collected from a third-party, such as a  family member or substitute decision-maker, a health service provider, or a referring organisation.

How is information handled?

Uniting WA takes all reasonable steps to keep personal information secure, and to protect it from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Uniting WA ensures appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place to provide a secure environment for the information we hold.

Uniting WA ensures appropriate processes exist if there is a breach of privacy, including communicating any breaches to relevant stakeholders.

Uniting WA securely retains all personal information we collect for the appropriate duration of time, as required by statutory and contractual obligations.

Where information held by the organisation is covered by the Freedom of Information Act 1982, this information is managed in line with the provisions of the Act.

When can information be shared?

Personal information is not shared by Uniting WA unless:

• Requested by the individual concerned (or chosen representative)
• For emergency purposes, such as medical emergencies, which pose risk or harm to the individual, or others
• There is a legal obligation to do so.

If you’d like to request information, or find out about how information requests are handled by Uniting WA, visit our Requests for Information page.