Overview

 

The South East Asia School Counsellors Network (SEASCN) is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation. SEASCN is a registered association in Australia and will therefore follow the Privacy Act and Principles as mentioned.

This confidentiality and privacy policy covers all personal information that SEASCN holds, 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 SEASCN has collected from people over the phone and via email communications.

 

For the purposes of this policy, confidentiality is defined as the limitation of the access, communication, movement and storage of private and personal information.

​

Collecting information

​

When we collect personal information from an individual, SEASCN will ensure that it is done in a fair manner and that the individual knows where and how to contact the organisation. SEASCN will only collect information that is necessary for the functions or activities that SEASCN has engaged with the individual or organisation for. SEASCN will advise individuals of the purpose for which their personal information is collected.

If SEASCN collects sensitive information (as defined under the Act), it will be treated with the utmost security and confidentiality. SEASCN will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which the individual’s consent has been obtained, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act. Information must be collected in a manner that is fair, lawful and unobtrusive, takes into consideration cultural differences and is sensitive to the individual’s circumstances. Information will be collected directly from the individual where ever possible. Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, SEASCN will advise that
individual of the consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit SEASCN’s ability to provide relevant offers or services to individuals.

Disclosing information

​

SEASCN will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act. This means that personal information may be disclosed:

• For the purposes SEASCN has advised that it is being collected for, and the related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect

• Where SEASCN has the explicit consent of the individual to do so

• As required by law

• Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act

• Where SEASCN and its agents are required to under the Child Protection Act SA

• Where there is concern for the safety of the individual or others

• Where there has been disclosure of a crime or commissioning of a crime

Unauthorised disclosure or access

​

As SEASCN is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to personal information will be deemed as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action will be taken in such cases.

​

Access to personal information

 

Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. However, the SEASCN may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act, where privacy of a third party may be compromised.

All requests to access individual records should be made in writing to The Director. All records remain the property of SEASCN. Individuals will be permitted to view records and to take notes of the content of those records but will not be permitted to remove those records. At the time of accessing records individuals may be
accompanied by a person of their choosing.

Security

​

Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by the South East Asia School Counsellors Network and its associations. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely, and destroyed appropriately when; no longer required and in accordance with legislation pertaining to record retention.
SEASCN will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information.

Data Quality

SEASCN will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data SEASCN collects, uses or discloses 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 Directors.

​

Availability and review of Policy

​

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

​

Concerns

​

If clients have a concern about management of their personal information, they can view the Australian Privacy Principles, (https://www.oaic.gov.au/assets/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/the-australian-privacy-principles.pdf) which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. If clients wish to lodge a complaint about use, disclosure, or access to their personal information, they may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone 1300 363 992, online or by post to Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001, or through SEASCN Complaints procedure.

Directors South East Asia School Counsellors Network
Ian Moody                      Hazel McClure

August 15 2020

​