Privacy, Terms & Conditions & Disclaimer

Copyright Notice

Copyright in the material which appears on the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) website is subject to the operation of the Copyright Act 1968, vested in the Crown in the right of the State of NSW.

In keeping with the RDN's commitment to encouraging the availability, dissemination and exchange of information (and subject to the operation of the Act), the material which appears on the RDN site can be reproduced for personal, in-house or non-commercial use, without formal permission or charge.

In the event that the information which appears on the RDN site is to be reproduced, altered, stored or transmitted for a purpose other than personal, in-house or non-commercial use, an application for formal permission must be made to the RDN at the following address:

General Manager
NSW Rural Doctors Network
Level 3, 133 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Tel: 02 4924 8000
Fax: 02 4924 8010
Email: publicity@nswrdn.com.au

Please note that copyright in the materials appearing at Internet sites linked to this website vests in the author of those materials, or the author's licensee (subject to the operation of the Copyright Act 1968). The RDN can not and does not grant any permission or authority in respect of the copyright in the materials appearing at third-party Internet sites, and recommends that the copyright statements at those sites are referred to before making use of the materials.

Privacy Policy

NSW Rural Doctors Network
(ABN 52 081 388 810)

The RDN is privy to personal information about general practitioners, medical students and other individuals and organisations involved in rural health, collected both formally and informally as part of its core business. The RDN is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who provide personal information to us in accordance with The Privacy Act 1988, which governs collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

Collection

The RDN collects only that personal information relevant to our functions and activities as a Rural Workforce Agency. Where possible the RDN collects personal information directly from the individual. The RDN has not adopted an individual Privacy Code and is therefore bound under the Privacy Act, and takes reasonable steps to collect, store and use personal or business-specific information in accordance with this Policy. Individuals are told why personal information is being collected at or near the point of collection. No identifiable personal information is disclosed without consent (either express or implied). Consent may be given in writing, orally, or implied from the nature of dealings with the RDN. Individuals can opt out of supplying and/or receiving information from the RDN by notifying the RDN either verbally or in writing. Where information necessary to provide a service to an individual is not made available, that service will not be provided.

Storage of personal information

Personal information is maintained in both paper form and electronically. RDN does not use identifiers assigned by another agency when storing personal information. As much personal information as possible is stored either in locked filing cabinets or in databases with no external access. Paper copies of information are shredded when no longer required. If individuals apply to RDN for particular services, we will collect and store information regarding the application, together with our internal assessment of the application and/or record of interview if applicable. We will not disclose personal information, other than to seek relevant advice from appropriate organisations or groups such as the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, NSW Health Department or the Rural Medical Support Forum (which acts as an advisory group to RDN), or as may otherwise be required by law. We do not return unsuccessful applications. All applications will be kept in a secure place on our premises and shredded when no longer required. Likewise, if individuals apply for an employment position at RDN we collect and store information including their application, an internal assessment of the application/resume and/or record of the interview in order to assess their suitability. We do not disclose the information we hold about individuals to any other organisation without consent or as required by law. Applications/resumes will not be returned unless requested in writing or via email, and will be shredded after a period of six (6) months.

Accuracy of information

The RDN makes every effort to keep personal information accurate and up-to-date. Information is promptly updated when errors or changes are brought to attention.

Security of information

The RDN treats all personal information as confidential. This is reinforced in the confidentiality clauses in staff employment contracts. The RDN takes reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. The RDN employs Information Technology support to maintain computer and network security including access control for authorised users, data integrity checks, network intrusion prevention systems, host intrusion detection systems and monitoring.

Disclosure

The RDN does not disclose personal information to any third parties without the individual's consent. The RDN does not provide mailing lists to other organisations, which would allow them to send literature to our constituents. At the discretion of the CEO, where the RDN believes there is a collective benefit, the RDN may respond to some requests via mail outs generated interally, on behalf of another organisation/s. The RDN will cooperate with all law enforcement bodies in providing information if required.

Access to personal information

Individuals are able to access their personal information upon request in writing to the Privacy Officer (details are provided at the end of this policy document). A reason for the request need not be given. However, the individual making the request may be asked for proof of identity. This is necessary to ensure that personal information is provided only to the correct individuals and that the privacy of others is not undermined. Following such a request the RDN will provide a printed copy of any personal information held within fourteen (14) days. Access will be denied if:

- The request does not relate to the personal information of the person making the request;
- Providing access would create an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others;
- The request is frivolous and vexatious;
- The request relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings;
- Providing access would prejudice negotiations with the individual making the request;
- Access would be unlawful;
- Denial of access is authorised or required by law;
- Access would prejudice law enforcement activities;
- Access discloses a 'commercially sensitive' decision making process or information; or
- There are any other reasons provided for in the Privacy Act.
Where possible, the NSW RDN favours providing access, either directly or by using an appropriate 'intermediary'.

Procedure for lodging queries or complaints

Any person with a query or complaint about the way the RDN handles personal information should contact the RDN General Manager. If the issue is not resolved verbally with the General Manager, the person may be asked to submit the query or complaint in writing for further consideration. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily with the RDN, the person is entitled to take the complaint to the Privacy Commissioner. The Privacy Commissioner has the power to investigate complaints made by individuals about the way organisations manage personal information, or to investigate any act or practice that may be a breach of the Privacy Act, even if no complaint has been made.

Any person with a query or complaint about decision/s made by RDN staff should obtain a copy of RDN's Grievance/Appeals Process for External Stakeholders.

Availability and review of Privacy Policy

A hard copy of our Privacy Policy can be obtained by contacting the General Manager. It is intended as a guide for all individuals connected with RDN, and RDN staff are familiar with its contents. The RDN reserves the right to review and change this policy. Any amendments will be posted on our website. If you have any concerns about privacy issues after reading this policy, or if you become aware of a potential breach of privacy, please contact RDN at the following address:

General Manager
NSW Rural Doctors Network
Level 3, 133 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Tel: 02 4924 8000
Fax: 02 4924 8010
Email: info@nswrdn.com.au

Availability of Privacy Legislation

Details of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 (including the National Privacy Principles) are available at www.privacy.gov.au Related legislation is available to be viewed at www.oznetlaw.net/ (view Primary Legislation).

Dated: 29 April 2003

Website Disclaimer

1. Use of the information and data contained within this Site is at your sole risk.

2. If you rely on the information on this Site you are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy or completeness.

3. If you use automatic language translation services in connection with this Site you do so at your own risk.

4. The information and data on this Site is subject to change without notice. The RDN may revise this Disclaimer at any time by updating this posting.

5. The RDN, its agents, instrumentalities, officers and employees:

a. make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information and data contained on this Site;
b. make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy or usefulness of any translation of the information on this Site or any linked site into another language;
c. accept no liability for any use of the said information and data or reliance placed on it (including translated information and data);
d. make no representations, either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the said information and data for any particular purpose;
e. make no warranties that the said information and data is free of infection by computer viruses or other contamination;
f. do not sponsor, endorse or necessarily approve of any material on sites linked from or to this Site;
g. do not make any warranties or representations regarding the quality, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any material on sites linked from or to this Site;
h. do not make any warranties or representations that material on other web sites to which this site is linked does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any person anywhere in the world; and
i. do not authorise the infringement of any intellectual property rights contained in material in other sites by linking this Site to those other sites.

Linking to this Site

You may link to this Site, but permission is restricted to making a link without any alteration of the site's contents. Permission is not granted to reproduce, frame or reformat the files, pages, images, information and materials from this Site on any other site unless express written permission has been obtained from the RDN. The RDN reserves the right to prevent linking by giving notice.