The Greater Dandenong City Council is strongly committed to the responsible handling of your personal information and protecting every individual’s rights to privacy. Council is bound by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (the Act) and the Health Records Act 2001. Councillors and staff operate under the Act, council policies and codes of conduct to ensure the organisation complies with legislation when handling your information.
Privacy is considered a basic human right under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and any personal information Council collects is protected under the relevant legislation.
Both the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Health Records Act 2001 define a set of principles, known as the Information Privacy Principles (IPP’s) and the Health Information Principles (HPP’s) respectively. These set the standard for public sector agencies to manage information appropriately.
Privacy and Personal Information Policy - 324KB
Your personal or health information which is collected and held by Council can only be used for the purpose for which it was collected, unless otherwise required by law or your written consent has been obtained. When your personal information is no longer required, Council disposes of it in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Information Protected by Privacy Laws
The following summarises the type of personal information covered by privacy legislation:
- Personal Information such as names, addresses and phone numbers;
- Sensitive Information including racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, criminal records, political views, sexual preferences, memberships to groups such as unions and political parties; and
- Health Information including medical records and assessments (including that for children, youth and the elderly); health care (including aged and disability care), palliative care (including physical and intellectual care); family day care (including immunisations).
Your Right to make a Privacy Complaint
If you believe a Victorian Government Agency, including Council has collected, used or disclosed your personal information inappropriately you have the right to make a complaint. The following short animation clip explains how to make a complaint to the Government Agency you believe has breached your privacy and how the Office of the Victorian Information Commission can assist you if you are not satisfied with the Agencies handling of your complaint. Click on this link to view clip