NILS Privacy Statement

The NILS Network of Tasmania is committed to a client’s right to confidentiality and privacy, and ensures protection of client records in adherence to privacy and legislative requirements. The NILS Network of Tasmania is also committed to providing clients with information regarding their rights, including limits to confidentiality when legal and duty of care considerations are deemed necessary.

This policy ensures that we comply with the provisions of the Australian Privacy Principles (APP’s) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 and other associated Regulations (refer to list of principles at the end of this policy). This policy ensures access to, and the collection and use of, personal information provided by people to our employees, contractors, and volunteers is managed responsibly through a system of control.

We are guided by laws which impose specific obligations when it comes to handling information. We have adopted the following privacy principles contained as minimum standards in relation to handling personal information. Personal information is printed, electronic or verbal information which directly or indirectly identifies a person. We expect all our employees, volunteers and contractors to adhere to this policy without exception.

Sensitive Information

• Under the Privacy Act 1988, particular personal information is defined as being sensitive information (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions or associations, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs, trade and professional memberships, sexual preferences or practices, criminal record, or health, genetic or biometric information).
• Other than any disclosure of indigenous status, disability status or country of birth (provided to government in de-identified data), NILS will not seek sensitive information from a client for the purpose of a NILS’s loan. Whilst the organisation may offer other support services where sensitive information is kept, for the purposes of NILS no other sensitive information will be recorded unless it is disclosed in relation to the loan purpose or for assistance in gaining a referral to another service.

Client Consent

• During the loan application process clients will be advised what personal information is being collected, why, how it will be stored, and who will have access to it. -Client consent will be sought in the NILS loan agreement for collection and use of their personal information.

Information Collection

• Client information will be collected for the primary purpose of providing a NILS loan.
• As a secondary purpose, de-identified client data (a process used to prevent a person's identity from being connected with information) like gender, age, ethnicity, income and loan information will be given to:
  • The National Australia Bank (NAB) to show how their loan capital is used,
  • The Bank of Us to show how their loan capital is used,
  • Governments in Australia (Commonwealth, State/Territory and/or local) to improve services to help more people,
  • Good Shepherd Microfinance for NILS research, planning and reporting,
  • Other Funding Bodies including Aurora

Client Records

• All client information must be stored in a secure filing system or a secure database.
• Client information will be stored on a loan application and/or loan management system.

Use of Client Information

• NILS Tasmania will be able to see if any client has or had a NILS loan to better support any client returning to the network for a NILS loan.
• NILS Tasmania can use client information to help run and improve NILS, for example, through audits, reviews or research

Client access to their own information and correction of any information retained by NILS Tasmania

Clients have a right to access personal information that the NILS Network of Tasmania holds about them and to amend information that is incorrect.

Clients may request that NILS share their confidential information with another service provider or a third party who may request information. NILS Tasmania require the client’s written consent to disclose information under these circumstances.

If the client wishes to access their personal information, request a correction or would like further information, they can do so by phone, mail or email.

Client complaint about a breach of privacy

The NILS Network of Tasmania welcomes feedback. If a client has a complaint or feedback about how we manage privacy issues or their personal information they can contact us by phone, mail or email.

Clients can also make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) about the handling of their personal information. Before lodging such a complaint the OAIC will generally require the client to lodge their complaint directly with NILS Tasmania and allow 30 days for a response. If the client does not receive a response after 30 days, or they are dissatisfied with NILS’s response, they can escalate the matter to the OAIC. Refer to the OAIC website for details - www.oaic.gov.au.