Privacy Policy

Policy Framework 

This Privacy Policy sets out how Australian Community Nursing (ACN) manages the Personal Information of its clients, contractors, service providers, and other individuals or organisations we engage with. 

This Policy applies to individuals and the collection and handling of Personal Information by ACN in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). 

ACN is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and ensuring the compliant collection, storage, use, and disclosure of Personal Information to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. 

Background 

The Privacy Act regulates how Personal Information is handled throughout its lifecycle—from collection and use to storage and disposal. 

Personal Information includes any information or opinion about an identified individual or someone who is reasonably identifiable, regardless of whether it is true or recorded. 

Special provisions apply to Sensitive Information, such as: 

  • Health information; 

  • Racial or ethnic origin; 

  • Religious or philosophical beliefs; 

  • Sexual orientation; 

  • Criminal history. 

ACN may also be subject to state-specific health records legislation, depending on the location and nature of services provided. For this Policy, references to Personal Information include both personal and sensitive information unless otherwise indicated. 

Collection of Personal Information 

To deliver our services effectively, ACN collects Personal Information from clients, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. 

From clients we may collect Personal Information including a clients’ name, date of birth, phone number, address, email address, financial and banking information, government identifiers (such as Medicare number, My Aged Care or NDIS client numbers), photos and sensitive information such as health information, ethnicity (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status), religion and criminal record. 

From contractors, we may collect we may collect Personal Information including name, address, phone number, email address, financial and banking information, residency and visa details, information about the personnel's skills, qualifications, experience and references, government identifiers (such as drivers’ licence number) and sensitive information such as health information and results of a national police check. 

From others, such as service providers and sub-contractors we may collect Personal Information including name, address, phone number, email address and financial and banking information. 

We collect this information directly from individuals, authorised representatives, or third parties, such as referring doctors or government portals (e.g., My Aged Care or NDIS). 

 If an individual does not provide Personal Information requested of the individual to ACN, we may be unable to provide the care and services requested. 

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information 

ACN may collect, use, hold, or disclose Personal Information for purposes such as: 

  • Providing care and services to clients; 

  • Managing relationships with clients, contractors, and suppliers; 

  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations; 

  • Billing and processing payments; 

  • Monitoring, reviewing, and improving our services, including quality assurance programs; 

  • Recruiting, training, and supporting contractors; 

  • With consent, undertaking marketing or fundraising activities. 

  • To manage and respond to complaints; 

  • For other purposes required or authorised by or under law, including purposes for which individuals have provided express or implied consent. 

ACN’s range of services and functions and activities may change from time to time. 

Disclosure of Personal Information 

ACN may share Personal Information with: 

  • Treating healthcare professionals, such as doctors, allied health providers, pharmacists, or others involved in the client’s care; 

  • Medical centres and hospitals attended by a client; 

  • Family members or authorised representatives involved in the client’s care; 

  • Government agencies and funding bodies, such as My Aged Care or NDIS; 

  • Other persons or organisations engaged by ACN to assist us in carrying out the above activities such as data storage providers, information technology support providers, insurers and professional advisors. Some of our service providers to which we may disclose Personal Information may be located overseas. If disclosure to overseas providers is necessary, ACN will ensure the recipient complies with relevant privacy standards.  

Security of Personal Information 

ACN takes reasonable steps to protect Personal Information from unauthorised access, misuse, or loss. Measures include: 

  • Secure electronic storage systems; 

  • Restricted access to sensitive data; 

  • ACN trains contractors on privacy and security of Personal Information and has policies in place for contractors to follow. 

We retain Personal Information only as required for our services and to meet legal obligations. 

Marketing 

With your consent, ACN may use your Personal Information to inform you about our services or programs. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us. 

Research and de-identified information 

If ACN wishes to use Personal Information for research purposes, the information will be de-identified unless you have given your express consent for us to use identifiable information or where an ethics committee has given approval otherwise. 
We may also use de-identified information for quality improvement and benchmarking purposes. We may also disclose de-identified information to third parties (such as research partners) for the same purposes. 

Access and Correction 

You have the right to access your Personal Information and request corrections if it is inaccurate or incomplete. To do so, contact us at: 

Email: hello@australiancommunitynursing.com.au  

Address: 29/97 Creek St Brisbane QLD, 4000 

Phone: 0494 371 789 

We will respond to your request within 30 days, unless the request is complex. 

Complaints 

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, you can submit a complaint to: 

Privacy Officer 

Australian Community Nursing 

Address: 29/97 Creek St Brisbane QLD, 4000 

Email: hello@australiancommunitynursing.com.au 

Phone: 0494 371 789 

 

We will investigate and respond to your complaint within 30 days. If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint directly to one of the relevant external agencies below: 

Effective Date and Updates 

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and compliant with legal and industry standards. The most current version will always be available on our website.