Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Union is bound by the National Privacy Principles contained in Schedule 3 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (as amended from time to time).

The Union’s policies with regards to the management of the personal information of the Union members are set out in this policy. “Personal information” in this policy has the same meaning as under the Privacy Act.

2. Why does the Union collect personal information?

The information collected by the Union is used to assist us to achieve the objects of the Union and to advance the interests of our members by providing Union services and benefits to our members.

It is a requirement of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) that we maintain a record of your postal address. The Industrial Relations Act 1999(Q1d) requires us to maintain a record of your residential address. If this information is not kept current, you may miss out on important notices and publications and may be denied access to Union services or not permitted to exercise your rights.

3. What if I do not wish to provide personal information? You may choose not to provide personal information unless required by law.

However, if personal information is not provided, the Union may be unable to provide you with certain services or benefits.

4. How does the Union use and disclose personal information?

The Union may need to disclose personal information about members to:

  • Other Union Officials including but not limited to other members, shop stewards or delegates and officers of the Union;
  • Your employer or other relevant statutory authority in appropriate circumstances;
  • The Union’s Solicitors and/or other legal representatives for the purposes of obtaining advice as to your industrial or legal entitlements and representation in industrial disputes;
  • Industrial and WorkCover Services for the purposes of obtaining advice as to your industrial or legal entitlements and representation in Workers’ Compensation disputes;
  • Your Superannuation Fund in respect to changes to your mailing address and or other details;
  • Organisations seeking verification of your Union membership from us before providing a service or benefit to you;
  • The Electoral Commission of Queensland and the Australian Electoral Commission or similar body for the conduct of ballots required under law;
  • The Mailing House contracted by the Union who are bound by their own confidentiality agreement;

• Other persons authorised under state and federal legislation.

The Union will only use or disclose information:

(a)  for the purposes for which it was collected (the primary purpose);

(b)  for a secondary purpose that:

(i)    is related to the primary purpose; and

(ii)   the individual would reasonably expect his or her information to be used or disclosed for this secondary purpose; or

(c)  where there is consent of the individual concerned to the use or disclosure; or

(d)  as otherwise allowed under the Acts, or required or authorised by or under law.

5. What if I do not want my personal information to be disclosed?

If you do not want your personal information to be disclosed, the Union will endeavour to accommodate this request unless the disclosure is required by law.

However, if your personal information is not disclosed or if you choose to opt out of receiving any communications from us the Union may be unable to provide you with certain services or benefits.

6. How can I access personal information held about me?

You may request access to personal information we hold about you by writing to the Secretary of the Union. Your request must detail your name, contact details, your former name or alias if any and the information you believe the Union may have about you. You do not have to provide a reason for requesting access. Where we hold information that you are entitled to access, we will endeavour to respond within 10 working days of receiving a written request. However, the Union may refuse to provide any person with access to information where the Union is permitted by law to withhold that information.

7. How can I amend incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate information about me?

If you believe that personal information we hold about you is incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate, then you may request us to amend it. We will have the discretion to determine whether the information requires amendment. If we agree that the information requires amendment then your request will be complied with. However, if we conclude that there

are no grounds for amendment, then we will add a note to the personal information we hold stating that you disagree with it.

8. How secure is my personal information in the Union database?

The Union will endeavour to take all reasonable steps to keep all personal information secure and to protect that personal information from misuse or loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

When using the Union website you should be aware that no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed as totally secure. Although the Union endeavours to protect such information, the Union does not guarantee the security of any information transmitted to it over the Internet. Any information transmitted to the Union over the Internet is at the risk of the person transmitting the information.

9. What will happen to my personal information once my membership ceases?

The Union will retain your personal information required to be kept as a record under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 for 7 years from the 31 December of the relevant year. After 7 years we can delete this information.