1. Introduction
The Irish Australian Support Association QLD (IASAQ) is committed to protecting the privacy and
confidentiality of personal information in compliance with relevant Australian privacy laws,
including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We aim to uphold
the highest standards in managing the personal information of our service users, ensuring it is
collected, stored, and handled with the utmost care and security.
2. Collection of Personal Information
IASAQ collects personal information that is relevant and necessary for the provision of our services
and support. IASAQ staff will only collect information that is absolutely required to assist with
delivering the services our community members rely on.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Personal Identification: Name, date of birth, contact details
- Proof of Identification: Passport number, driver’s licence number
- Family and Emergency Contacts: Next of kin, family details
- Visa Status and residency information
- Employment Information: Usual occupation, employment details
- Health Information: Physical and mental health status
- Accommodation Details: Rental or housing information
- Funeral Arrangements: Where applicable
- Financial Information: Payslips, bank statements (only when requesting financial assistance such as food vouchers, accommodation payments, or medical payments)
- Note: Financial information is collected only when service users request financial assistance, and it is essential for the financial assessment process.
3. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
IASAQ will use personal information primarily for the purpose of delivering support services and to
ensure the quality of care provided. We will not disclose personal information to third parties
without the explicit, written, or verbal consent of the service user, except in the following
circumstances:
Where consent is provided by the service user for the sharing of their information with
specific services or individuals, including, but not limited to:
- The IASAQ Board
- Centrelink
- Medicare
- The Irish Embassy
- Government agencies i.e. (Housing, Education, Health and Aged Care)
- Non-government services and agencies (based on the individual’s or family’s specific support needs)
- Private professionals (e.g., solicitors, funeral directors, immigration agents, therapeutic services)
4. Disclosure Without Consent
In certain situations, IASAQ may disclose personal information without consent when it is required
for professional or legal reasons. These include:
- A reasonable belief that disclosing information is necessary to protect the health or safety
of the service user or another individual. - A legal obligation to disclose information, such as requirements under Australian law or to
safeguard children or vulnerable persons.
5. Data Security
IASAQ takes all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is securely stored and
protected from unauthorised access, alteration, or destruction.
- Digital Information: Personal information is stored securely in the IASAQ CRM database and, where appropriate, in our cloud-based Client folder. Access to this information is restricted to authorised staff, and passwords are required for access.
- Emails and Devices: All agency email accounts and computers are password-protected. Mobile phones and laptops used for service user-related activities must be secured with passcodes.
- Physical Documents: Any hard copies of personal information collected, such as identification forms, Blue Cards, and Driver’s Licenses, will be securely stored in a locked filing cabinet at the IASAQ office. The office will be locked when unattended, and only authorised personnel with a coded key will have access.
6. Access to and Correction of Personal Information
Under the Privacy Act 1988, service users have the right to access the personal information IASAQ
holds about them. If a service user wishes to view or correct their personal information, they may
request this in writing.
IASAQ will take all reasonable steps to ensure that any information found to be inaccurate is
corrected. If access is denied or corrections are refused, we will provide a clear explanation,
including the reasons for denial based on the grounds established in the Privacy Act.
Requests for access to personal information must be made in writing to the Manager and must be
approved by the IASAQ Board. Proof of identification may be required to verify the request.
For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or to make a request related to your personal
information, please contact IASAQ's Manager or President of the association at info@iasaq.com.au
Version: 2.0. Privacy Policy | created 15 November 2024 | review date:15 November 2027