Relationship Matters is committed to providing quality service, respecting your privacy, and protecting your personal, sensitive and health information. Our goal is to always provide you with a helpful and respectful experience.

Relationship Matters complies with the obligations of all relevant legislation [including the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and associated Australian Privacy Principles (APPs); and Health Records Act (Vic) (2001) and associated Health Privacy Principles (HPPs)] in how we collect, store, use and share information.

All employees are bound by our Code of Ethics and Conduct and must adhere to our policies and agreements. All Relationship Matters’ staff sign an Oath of Confidentiality at the commencement of their employment.

Relationship Matters may update this Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in laws, regulations, practices, or technology. The most recent version will apply to all personal information we hold.

Personal, Sensitive and Health Information

Except in certain circumstances, we need your consent to collect, store, use, and disclose information about you.

Collection, Storage, Use & Disclosure of Your Personal Information

Relationship Matters collects information about you so that we can:

• Provide quality services, programs and employment opportunities
• Support our clients and staff
• Keep our clients and staff informed about our services and employment arrangements
• Meet our legislative obligations
• Resolve complaints and facilitate continuous quality improvement

Relationship Matters will, if it is reasonable and practical to do so, collect personal, sensitive or health information directly from you and, only when it is needed. Relationship Matters may collect your information when you:

• Give Relationship Matters information over the telephone
• Give Relationship Matters information via the Relationship Matters website
• Interact with Relationship Matters electronically or in person
• Complete Relationship Matters forms

Our Own Record-Keeping Systems

Relationship Matters keeps records of your personal and contact details as part of providing services and employment. This data is stored in a secure system.
All information collected by Relationship Matters is stored as written records, electronic files, and/or computerised data records. Relationship Matters operates a fully networked computerised system with ‘firewall protection’ to stop unauthorised access. All Relationship Matters’ computers and systems are password-controlled, and passwords are routinely changed.

Paper-based records are kept in secure, locked storage and archived in secure facilities. Records are kept in accordance with legal requirements, usually for seven years and for children, until they turn 25 years of age. Any records that are destroyed are either shredded or disposed of through secure document destruction services.

Access and Correction

Individuals may request access to personal, sensitive and health information held about them. Access will be provided unless there is a sound reason under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) or other relevant law. Other situations in which access to information may be withheld include:

• There is a threat to the life or health of an individual
• Access to information creates an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others
• There is existing or anticipated legal proceedings
• Denial of access is required by legislation or law enforcement agencies

Relationship Matters is required to respond to a request to access or amend information within 45 days of receiving the request.

Amendments may be made to personal information to ensure it is accurate, relevant, up-to-date, complete and not misleading, taking into account the purpose for which the information is collected and used. If the request to amend information does not meet these criteria, RM may refuse the request.

If the requested change to personal information is not made, the individual may make a statement about the requested changes which will be attached to the record.

Executive Director – Clinical and Community Services is responsible for responding to queries and requests for access/amendment to personal, sensitive and health information for clients and Executive Director – Corporate Services is responsible for responding to queries and requests for access/amendment to personal, sensitive and health information for staff/volunteers and other relevant parties.

Information Sharing Requests

Relationship Matters holds personal, sensitive and/or health information about people using or delivering our services. From time to time, we are asked to share this information. We can only do this with consent; if it is part of why it was collected, if permitted/required by law, or if we are concerned about someone’s safety or wellbeing. Requests for client’s personal and/or sensitive information should be made to infosharing@relationshipmatters.com.au

Data Collection Systems

As part of our funding agreements we are required to enter client data into the approved data collection systems.

If you would like further information about Relationship Matters’ privacy policy and practices, to find out how and when you are entitled to access your personal information, or if you would like to correct information you have previously provided, please speak to our staff or email privacyofficer@relationshipmatters.com.au

Marketing Information

Relationship Matters from time to time sends information to our clients about our services, especially when we have new or different programs. People can choose to stop receiving direct marketing messages by contacting privacyofficer@relationshipmatters.com.au