Privacy Policy

PREAMBLE:
The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) A.B.N 85 073 741 796 is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Act), and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation. Accordingly, OEG has developed this privacy policy which covers all "personal information" we may collect, use, store and disclose in the course of our operations. "Personal information" is defined in the Act as being "information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database) , whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from the information or opinion". This includes information we have collected from schools, other organisations, students and parents.

Respecting your privacy:
Our respect for our clients' and staffs' right to privacy of their personal information is paramount. OEG has instigated procedures to ensure that all personal information, no matter how or where it is obtained, is handled securely, and in accordance with the National Privacy Principles.

This Privacy Policy sets out: -

  • Matters of which you should be aware regarding information we may collect about you.
  • Our policies on the management of personal information, and
  • Generally, what sort of information we hold, for what purposes, and how we collect, hold and use the information.

POLICY:

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.

Whenever we collect personal information from third parties (eg: schools) concerning an individual, we will take reasonable steps to advise that individual as soon as is practicable, and request that the relevant third party ensures that the applicable individual is aware that their personal information is being collected by the third party for the purpose of being provided to us for our functions or activities.

We will advise individuals of the purposes for which their personal information is collected and of those third parties (eg: doctor, hospital, police) to whom the information may be disclosed.

OEG does collect sensitive information (as defined under and in accordance with the Act). We will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. We will ensure that it is not used 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 impact this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding medical information about a student, may limit the ability of the student to participate in outdoor education activities, or endanger the student or the group.

Disclosing information:
OEG will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Act.

This means that personal information may be disclosed: -

  • for the primary 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, or
  • under circumstances where permitted under the Act.

Unauthorised disclosure or access:
As OEG is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorised disclosure or access to personal information by our employees, contractors or agents' 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 written request. However, OEG may occasionally need to deny access to information but only in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.
We take reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is as up-to-date and accurate as we can. If you find that current personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or out-of-date, please contact us immediately and we will correct it.
Contact details are listed below.

Security:
Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by OEG. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer legally required.
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.

Availability and Review of Policy:
We will make our Privacy Policy available on request and will provide access to this policy on our web site.
This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated in the updated policy. The date of the last amendment will be displayed at the bottom of this policy.

Issued 14.12.2001
Updated 22.10.08

Accountability: 
All OEG staff who handle personal information of any type are required to follow this policy

Privacy Inquiries:

If you would like access to your personal details held by OEG; further information regarding this Privacy Policy; or you think we have breached any aspect of this Privacy Policy, please contact us: -

NSW & Victoria:
Kara de Lucey
The Outdoor Education Group
Private Bag 1109
Eildon Vic 3713
Email: deluceyk@oeg.vic.edu.au
Tele: 03 5770 8271

REFERENCES:

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)