Omega Support Group

Privacy policy

Omega Support Group (Omega) committed to protecting the privacy of personal and health related information it collects, holds and administers. We recognise an individual’s right not to have personal information disclosed to others without their informed consent. Omega’s approach to the protection of personal information is aligned with Australian and Victorian legislation:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
  • Privacy Amendment Act 2017
  • Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)
  • Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013

 

Omega will:

  • only collect information if it is needed for the delivery of services, supports and activities
  • ensure that individuals know why their information is being collected and how it will be handled
  • use and disclose information only for our primary functions or a related purpose, or for another purpose, with the person’s consent
  • ensure people supported and/or their representative understand their right to withdraw their consent at any time
  • store information securely and take all reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure
  • provide individuals and/or their authorised representative with access to their information and the ability to correct incorrect information
  • report all eligible data breaches in accordance with the Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017
  • ensure that every Omega Support Group employee signs a confidentiality agreement at the commencement of employment. Additionally, every employee will be provided with information about the NDIS Code of Conduct and staff individual responsibilities to adhere to this in the course of their work

 

Personal Information is “information or an opinion whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion (Privacy Act). Personal information also includes sensitive information, such as health information.

Some personal information is regarded as sensitive information. This sensitive information can include:

• information about a person’s racial or ethnic origin

• information about a person’s membership of a political association

• religious beliefs or affiliations

• if a person holds membership of a trade union

• sexual orientation or practices

• health information

We take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is securely stored and protected. This includes password protection for access to our electronic information systems with access to personal information restricted to those who have been authorised.

We keep personal information for as long as it is needed for the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal requirements.

When personal information we hold is no longer needed for any purpose, including legal purposes, and subject to our legal obligations, we will take reasonable steps to destroy information.

Disclosure of personal and confidential information

Unless permitted or required by law, we will not use or disclose personal information without consent. In certain circumstances, Omega is bound by mandatory reporting responsibilities to the National Disability Insurance Agency, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Department of Families Fairness and Housing, the Coroners Court of Victoria, Office of the Public Advocate and Victoria Police. This includes obligations to report incidences of violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse, and sexual misconduct.

If we are seeking participant consent to provide their personal information to another organisation, for example, to refer for support services, we will discuss the proposed referral with the participant and obtain written consent. At times when it is impractical to seek written consent, the relevant Omega staff member will seek and document the date, time and circumstances of receiving informed verbal consent.

Access to information

We will take reasonable steps to ensure the personal information we hold about an individual is accurate, up-to-date, complete, relevant and not misleading.

Subject to the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles, we will comply with a request from a person to access, correct or remove their information

Contact details

Questions in relation to privacy can be directed to [email protected]

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner can be contacted for information and advice

Contact 1300 363 992

Complaints

Privacy complaints should be directed to Omega using the contact details above. When we receive a privacy complaint, we ensure:

  • the complaint will be treated seriously
  • the complaint will be dealt with promptly
  • the complaint will be dealt with in a confidential manner

 

We will investigate all privacy complaints and the complainant will be informed of the outcome. If the person is dissatisfied with the outcome, further information should be sought from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

We may change or update our Privacy Policy from time to time. If we do, we will post the amended or updated version on our website. Any updates or changes will apply from the time they are posted on our website.

Related Legislation

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
  • Privacy Amendment Act 2017
  • Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)
  • Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013

 

Forms

OS1002 Service agreement

OS1006 Complaint and feedback form