Disclaimer
The City of Stonnington website is provided by Council for communication and information purposes.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained is correct at the time of publication, details are subject to change.
Council will not accept any liability for any statements, opinions, errors or omissions on the web site.
Links to other web sites or information sources are provided as a courtesy, however we cannot vouch for or take responsibility for the information contained in any links.
Privacy Policy
The City of Stonnington believes that the responsible handling of personal information is a key aspect of democratic governance and is strongly committed to protecting an individual's right to privacy. Accordingly, Council is committed to full compliance with its obligations under the Information Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. In particular, the City of Stonnington will comply with the Information Privacy Principles contained in the Act. This Privacy Policy explains some of these Principles and how they may apply to you.
Personal Information
This Policy applies to personal information held by the City of Stonnington. Personal information refers to information or an opinion about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion, other than certain health or generally available information.
For example, Council holds personal information on its ratepayers, such as names and addresses, in order to carry out its functions including planning, valuation and property services. The City of Stonnington may also request personal information in order to provide education, welfare and other community services, such as eg child care services. In some instances, personal information may be contained on a public register (register of building permits, food premises and animal registration details).
Sensitive Information
The City of Stonnington may also hold sensitive information. Sensitive information includes information or an opinion about an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, trade union membership, philosophical or religious beliefs, sexual preferences or criminal record.
Collection
The City of Stonnington will only collect personal information that is necessary for its functions and activities. In some instances, Council is required by law to collect personal information. Council will only collect sensitive information where you have consented or as permitted under the Act.
If it is reasonable and practical to do so, Council will collect personal information about you directly from you. When doing so, it will inform you of the matters set out in the Act, including the purpose/s for which the information is collected, and will use lawful and fair means. If the City of Stonnington collects personal informational about you from someone else, Council will take reasonable steps to make you aware of these matters.
Use and Disclosure
The City of Stonnington will only use personal information within Council, or disclose it outside Council, for the purpose for which it was collected or in accordance with the Act, for example where you have consented or where you would reasonably expect this to occur.
In respect to neighbourhood issues such as street parties, trees and fencing, Council may have to take certain actions to resolve or facilitate the progress of the issue. Such actions may involve the disclosure of personally identifying information. Where appropriate, Council will take steps to advise the person of the need to disclose their personal information prior to the disclosure of such information.
Security
The City of Stonnington will endeavour to maintain a secure system for storing personal information. Technological and operational policies and procedures are in place to protect personal information from misuse and loss and from unauthorised modification or disclosure. Council will dispose of personal information where it is no longer necessary to fulfil the purposes for which the information was collected or as required by law.
Access and Correction
Should you wish to access your personal information, please contact Council's Privacy Officer. Access will be provided except in the circumstances outlined in the Act, for example, where the information relates to legal proceedings or where the Freedom of Information Act 1982 applies.
If you believe that your personal information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, you may request Council to correct the information. Your request will be dealt with in accordance with the Act.
Anonymity
Where lawful and practical, the City of Stonnington will give you the option of not identifying yourself when supplying information or entering into transactions with Council.
External Contractors
While personal information is usually handled by Council staff, the City of Stonnington may outsource some of its functions to third parties. This may require the contractor to collect, use or disclose certain personal information such as garbage collection. Council requires contractors to comply with the Act in all respects.
Complaints
If you feel aggrieved by Council's handling of your personal information, you may make a complaint to Council's Privacy Officer on 03 8290 1333. Your complaint will be investigated within five business days and a written response will be provided. Alternatively, you may make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner (although the Commissioner may decline to hear the complaint if you have not first made a complaint to the City of Stonnington.
Changes
The City of Stonnington may amend this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legislation.
Further Information
If you have any queries about this Privacy Policy, please contact Council's Privacy Officer on 8290 1333.
Last updated: 21 October 2015