Exhibition Item

The draft Privacy Policy has been developed to outline Maitland City Council’s commitment to safeguarding the personal and health information of individuals in compliance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act) and related legislation. This policy ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal information collected, stored, used, and disclosed by the Council.

The policy provides detailed guidance on:

• Collection of Information: Ensuring data is collected lawfully, directly from individuals, and is accurate, complete, and relevant.
• Use and Disclosure: Limiting data usage to its intended purpose or as permitted by law, while preventing unauthorised sharing.
• Data Security: Implementing robust security measures to protect against misuse, loss, and unauthorised access.
• Access and Correction: Allowing individuals to access their data and request corrections to ensure accuracy.
• Mandatory Notification of Data Breaches: Complying with the NSW Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme to address potential privacy risks.

The policy also covers procedures for handling identity verification documents, Council survey participation, and the use of cookies on the Council’s websites. Additionally, it highlights Council’s use of tools such as Google Analytics to improve website effectiveness while safeguarding user privacy.

Notable Provisions:

• Sensitive identity verification documents will only be sighted for confirmation purposes and will not be copied or stored.
• Complaints about the handling of personal or health information can be directed to the Council’s Privacy Officer or escalated to the NSW Information and Privacy Commission if unresolved.
• The policy integrates legal compliance with privacy principles, including adherence to the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and related regulations.

This policy underscores the Council’s dedication to responsible data management and invites community feedback during the public exhibition period.