The Courageous Space is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation.

This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold, that is, information, or an opinion about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from that information or opinion. This includes information we have collected from people in person, over the phone and over the internet.

Collecting information

When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner and that we let the individual know where and how to contact our organisation. We will only collect information that is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.

We will advise individuals or the purpose for which their personal information is collected. 

If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Act), we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. We will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which we have obtained the individual’s consent, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act.

Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, we will advise that individual of what consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to provide relevant offers or services to individuals.

Disclosing information

We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.

This means that personal information may be disclosed:

• For the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect,

• Where we have the consent of the individual to do so,

• As required by law (such as via court subpoena), or

• Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act.

In the course of our business activities, we may need to disclose some of your personal information to relevant staff.

Unauthorized disclosure or access

As The Courageous Space is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees or contractors, as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) will be taken in such cases.

Access to personal information

Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. However, The Courageous Space may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.  All requests for access to personal information should be lodged in writing to The Courageous Space.

Security

Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by The Courageous Space and its associations. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.  The Courageous Space store client information on a secure, password protected computer or locked cabinet.

We will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information.

Data Quality

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date, and has been obtained directly from individuals or other reputable sources.

Privacy Inquiries

Privacy related inquiries or concerns can be directed to The Courageous Space.

Availability and review of Policy

We will make our privacy policy available upon request and will provide a link to this policy from our website.  This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated into the updated policy.

Online Social Work Services

Privacy and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when engaging with online social work services due to the possibility of insecure connections or data being intercepted through hacking. 

Information stored on local computers may not be secure or confidential. The Courageous Space take all reasonable steps to use hardware and software that is well maintained and have the most up to date security systems and firewalls to decrease risks of unwanted access to confidential information.