Privacy and Confidentiality – Participants:

We respect your privacy

We respect your right to privacy and are committed to safeguarding your personal information. The following information explains what we collect, how it is stored, how it is used and why. A copy of this information is given to everyone who engages Coordination Connects service. You are asked to read this information before you start services with us. You will be able to identify you have read and understood this information when you sign your NDIS Participant Service Agreement with Coordination Connect. The collection of information may extend beyond just a Participant and could include other relevant supports including other formal supports nominated to assist the Participant.

What person information is collected?

There are certain types of personal information that we collect and record to be able to provide you with a quality service. The information we collect from you will include but is not limited to:

  • Identifying information (name, date of birth);

  • Formal supports that assist you in the provision of exercising your choice and control over your life e.g. Plan Nominee.

  • Contact information for the participant and other relevant support persons (address, telephone number, inclusive of people supporting you e.g. parent, friend or guardian);

  • People to contact in the event of an emergency;

  • Information about funding (such as a copy of your NDIS Plan);

  • Information received from other services (such as referrals or handover notes);

  • Details about your past or current circumstances (including health and wellbeing information, goals and aspirations and services you are working with which includes funded and mainstream services and supports).

  • Information about the tasks, types of service and people your Support Coordinator has contact with whilst providing Support Coordination to you. This record is called an Activity Report.

How is my personal information stored?

Coordination Connect comply with National Privacy Principles that are contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998 relating to storing your personal information. Information is stored with password protection and/or in a locked secure storage option at all times when not in use.

How long is my information kept?

In most instances, Coordination Connect is required to securely store information collected, including notes, for at least 7 years after your last contact with the service. After this time all personal information will securely disposed of. If you are under the age of 18 when engaging with Coordination Connect, depending on the service provided, your personal information may be retained for longer periods.

How can I access my information stored with Coordination Connect?

Contact us to arrange this. Phone Director Jenny Newton on 0404839286. Write to us PO Box 214 Sorell, 7172. Email jenny.newton@coordinationconnect.com

Who has access to my personal information at Coordination Connect?

Team Members at Coordination Connect have access to your personal information, as appropriate to their support of you, to enable our service to provide the support you request.

In some circumstances the information may be accessed by other parties for example external auditors and government bodies including the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Do you disclose, share or discuss my personal information with other services, people or agencies?

Yes, but only if it is related to your coordination of supports needs with your consent or, because we are required by law, or because we are required to due to certain circumstances.

Coordination Connect has a duty of care to ensure your health, safety and well being and that of others in the community. For this reason, there are times we may be required to discuss or disclose your personal information without your consent. These situations include:

  • Your Coordinator of Supports believes you are likely to harm yourself or others;

  • You disclose serious criminal activity or family violence;

  • Children in your care are at risk of harm;

  • To assist in locating a missing person;

  • We are required to by legislation; and

  • Your file has been subpoenaed by law.

Coordination Connect may be required to share identifiable or de-identifiable information about you for reporting purposes as outlined by NDIA which may include:

  • Your initials and date or birth for reporting purposes.

Coordination Connect may discuss or share information with services, people or agencies to provide you with the best quality service we can. This level of information sharing will only occur when the need to share information is directly relevant to coordinating your funded and mainstream supports and we have an appropriate:

Consent to Share Information form/s

Following are some examples of services, agencies or people who may access your information with us or us with them.

  • National Disability Insurance Agency staff

  • NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

  • Education services

  • Employment services

  • Disability Support Services

  • Mental Health Services

  • Justice Department related services

  • Health and well being related services

  • Local, State and Federal Government organisations and services

  • Child and Family services

  • Housing related services

  • Other relevant community related services

  • Appointed representatives

  • Anyone who is related to the provision of your supports

What do I do if I do NOT want Coordination Connect to discuss, disclose or share my personal information to specific services, people or agencies?

All Coordination Connect participants are required to identify who they consent for us to share, discuss or disclose information with and from. You will be asked to complete a Consent to Share Information Forms to help us know what consent you give.

What if I am unhappy about the collection or use of my personal information?

If you feel your right to privacy has been breached, we will provide support for you to make a formal complaint if required.

You may do this at any time by talking to your worker, writing to Coordination Connect at PO Box 214, Sorell, Tasmania. If you are still not satisfied with our response, after talking with us, you may like to contact your local NDIA office or an Advocacy Service, like Advocacy Tasmania on 1800 005 131.

What if I want more information about my rights in relation to privacy?

If you would like more information about your privacy ask your worker, write to Coordination Connect or contact the service on 0404839286.for more details.

Further information is also available at the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au