Privacy Statement

Privacy 

Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ or the Association) is a registered charity, and as such, it engages in a number of activities, fundraising, marketing and service delivery to Queenslanders who are blind or vision impaired.

GDQ is committed to upholding the right to privacy of all individuals who have dealings with it. Privacy is protected in a number of different ways. In Queensland, an individual’s privacy is protected under legislation including the Federal Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 and other Queensland Government policies and legislation.

This Privacy Statement may be reviewed and changed from time to time so we ask that you review this page, to ensure you are aware of any changes.

At GDQ we believe that an individual's right to keep their personal information private is highly important. We respect the trust you place in us when providing us with your personal details. As such, we are committed to protecting and maintaining the privacy, accuracy and security of your personal and financial information.

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Statement sets out our policy and practices in relation to the way we collect and handle personal information.

How we collect and use information

In line with the National Privacy Principles, we will only collect information relevant and necessary to our relationship with you. The information we collect may include contact details, personal details, financial information to allow us to process transactions, relevant medical information that is pertinent to the services we provide to you, and information about your use of our services.

We treat personal information which we collect from individuals in the same way we treat our other confidential information. We will not sell the information we collect to any other party. Donor/Customer/Client information will not be released to any other organisation, person or body without the express consent of the individual. If we collect sensitive information (as defined under legislation) we will tell you and treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality.

We do not collect any information about racial or ethnic origin, health, political opinions or membership, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade association or union membership, sexual preferences or criminal record, unless:

• the individual has consented, (e.g. Police background checks on potential volunteers and staff who will be working with clients and/or children, or details required to provide effective service to clients), or
• the collection is required by law, or
• the collection is necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to the health and safety of a person, or
• the collection is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of a legal claim.

Personal Information will be used for the following primary purpose:

• To fulfil obligations under any sale and purchase contract/arrangement and/or any other contract between the individual and GDQ.
• To provide any service to you as one of our clients.
• To provide information about products, service and/or special offers.
• To obtain opinions or comments about products and/or services.
• To record statistical data for marketing analysis.  

GDQ has procedures in place to limit access to your personal information to only those employees with a business reason for knowing such information. Examples of these security procedures include the use of computer passwords; firewalls; secure payment gateways, network security; locked fireproof file cabinets; restricted access to hard copy records; shredding of unnecessary documents; and more. All GDQ staff members are obliged to respect the confidentiality of any personal information held by the Association.

Our Policy on management of client information

GDQ observes policies on the management of client information that meet the requirements of both Commonwealth and State Laws, including Disability Service Standards. GDQ aims to ensure integrity, security and controlled access to client records. We recognise and respect each client's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality in all aspects of his or her life.

 

Use of information for Marketing and Fundraising

As GDQ receives minimal government funding, we depend on financial support from the community to continue providing our services. This means it is necessary for the Association to undertake a range of fundraising and public relations activities, including, but not limited to:

• Tele-fundraising
• Retail Outlets
• Direct Mail
• Special Events
• Bequests/Planned Giving
• Catalogue sales of merchandise
• Corporate Support, and
• Capital Campaigns

By law we are required to maintain detailed financial records for seven years for taxation purposes, including details about donors and a record of their support.

When you make a donation to GDQ a receipt is provided. Your details are held securely and are only used for our fundraising activities. We understand that there may be times when you are not in a position to make a gift - and you can ask us not to contact you and we will respect your wish.

Your right to access and correct information we hold about you

If you ask us, we will tell you what information we hold about you, unless there are important public interest or legal reasons not to, in line with relevant legislation and National Privacy Principles. This may happen if:

• It would be unlawful to provide the information;
• It would have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of other individuals;
• It would pose a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of any information;
• The request is frivolous or vexatious;
• There are other important issues.

This service is free unless the information you request requires significant research or preparation time. Before we act upon requests of this nature, we will tell you how much this service will cost. All such requests should be made in writing to GDQ.

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information which we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date.

If the information we hold is not accurate, complete and up to date, you can ask us to modify our records.

Opt Out Option

Individuals have the right to "opt out" of receiving GDQ service information, marketing information and appeals. The Association assumes the right to continue conducting its marketing and fundraising campaigns using collected information unless directed by the donor / customer. In this instance the donor / customer needs to advise the Association to remove, bar, and/or adjust the records.

 

How to contact us:

Please direct your requests to: Guide Dogs Queensland
Email: admin@guidedogsqld.com.au;
Phone: 1800 810 122; or
Post: PO Box 50, Bald Hills, Q, 4036.
ABN: 89 009 739 664