Privacy statement
This statement applies to users interacting with the Hardship Review Boards (HRB) website at http://www.hrb.osr.nsw.gov.au.
Your rights to privacy
The HRB must comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIP Act) which regulates, among other things, the collection, storage, quality, use and disclosure of personal information.
What browser information we collect
When you visit our website, we automatically record information that identifies:
- the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your machine
- your top-level domain name (for example .com, .gov, .au, .uk etc.)
- the address of your server
- the date and time of your visit to the site
- the pages accessed and documents downloaded
- the previous referring site visited
- the type of browser and operating system you use
This information is used to help us improve the navigation and contents of the THRB website.
What personal information we collect
When you email us
- we will record your email address
- we will only use your email address for the purpose for which you provided it
- it will not be added to a mailing list unless you have specifically requested this
- we will not use your email address for any other purposes
- we will not disclose it without your consent
When you use our online forms and payment system, the HRB undertakes that the personal information will only:
- be collected by lawful and fair means
- be used for lawful purposes
- be collected with your consent
- the purpose for the collection should be clear and explicit
Can you change your personal information
The Privacy legislation allows individuals to access and alter records containing their personal information. The Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW), also sets out the process by which you can access, change or annotate records held by agencies, which contain your personal information.
Information quality
When you provide information to us via the internet, we rely on the accuracy of that information.
Security of your personal information
The HRB will only use your personal information (including email address) for official authorised purposes. The Taxation Administration Act 1996 and Fines Act 1996 contain secrecy provisions that prohibit any officer of the HRB (or any other government department) from accessing, recording or disclosing anyone's taxation information except in performing their duties or in specific situations permitted by those laws. There are severe penalties for breaching these provisions.
Your personal information will not be released unless the law permits it or your permission is given. We provide a secure environment and a reliable system but you should be aware that there may be inherent risks associated with the transmission of information via the internet. For those who do not wish to use the internet, the HRB provides alternative ways of obtaining and providing information. In some circumstances, the HRB security guidelines may also require us to send particular information by non-electronic means.
All personal information is stored and archived in accordance with the State Records Act 1998 (NSW). The HRB is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third party sites linked to our site.
Accountability
Find out more about your rights and the remedies for breaches of your privacy on the NSW Privacy Commissioner website.
Feedback
We welcome feedback about this Privacy Statement and our website. If you have any comments please contact us.
What happens with your feedback
Feedback we receive from clients about our website is strictly confidential. Client comments and suggestions allow us to make improvements to the content, navigation and performance of our website. When providing feedback, clients do not need to provide personal information.
Policy review and update
The HRB will review the privacy statement and the security framework on a regular basis to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information obtained from you. Amendments to the Privacy Statement will be posted on this site.