GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
PRIVACY STATEMENT

 Privacy

Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) is a registered charity, and as such, engages in a number of activities including fundraising, marketing and service delivery to blind and vision-impaired people of Queensland.

GDQ is committed to upholding the right to privacy of all individuals it has contact with, and as such, it is bound by the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth).

At GDQ we believe that an individual's right to keep their personal information private is imperative. We respect the trust you place in the Association when providing your personal details. In return, 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 policy and practices in relation to the way Guide Dogs Queensland collects and handles personal information.

We encourage you to check our Privacy Statement regularly as it is subject to review and may change.


How we collect and use information

We only collect information that is relevant and necessary to maintain our professional relationship with you. The information we collect may include contact details, personal details, financial information to allow us to process transactions, medical information that is relevant to the services we provide to you and information about your use of our services.

We treat personal information collected from individuals in the same manner in which we treat other confidential information. We will not sell the information collected to any other party. Donor/Customer/Client information will not be released to any other organization, person or body without the express consent of the individual.

Should we collect sensitive information (as defined under legislation), you will be informed and it will be treated securely and with the utmost confidentiality.

We do not collect any information about race or ethnic origin, health, political opinion 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 fulfill obligations under any sale and purchase contract/arrangement and/or any other contract between the individual and Guide Dogs Queensland.
  • To provide service to you as a client
  • To provide information about products, service and/or special offers.
  • To obtain opinion or comment about products and/or services.
  • To record statistical data for marketing analysis.

Guide Dogs Queensland has procedures in place which limits access to your personal information to those employees with a business reason for knowing such information. Examples of these security procedures include the use of computer passwords; firewalls; network security; locked fireproof file cabinets; restricted access to hard copy records; shredding of unnecessary documents; and more.

All Guide Dogs Queensland staff are obliged to respect the confidentiality of any personal information held by the Association.


Our policy on management of client information

Guide Dogs Queensland 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 recognize 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 Guide Dogs Queensland 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 activities, including, but not limited to

  • Telemarketing
  • Retail Outlets
  • Direct Mail
  • Special Events
  • Bequests / Planned Giving
  • Catalogues
  • 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 Guide Dogs Queensland, a receipt is provided. Your details are held securely and are only used for fundraising activities. We understand that there may be occasions when you are not in a position to make a gift, and in such instances, we respect your wish to not be contacted.


Your right to access and correct information we hold about you

Should you ask we will share information held about you unless it is against the public interest, the circumstances of which are detailed in the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

This may happen if:

  • we cannot tell you without breaching another individual’s privacy; or
  • we cannot tell you without compromising an investigation or legal action

This service is provided to you at no cost unless the information you request requires significant research or preparation time. Before we act upon requests of this nature, you will be informed if fees apply.

 We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information collected, used or disclosed is accurate, complete and current. If the information we hold is not accurate, complete and current, you can ask us to modify our records.


Opt Out Option

Individuals have the right to "opt out" of receiving Association 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: 

Phone Numbers - Freecall 1800 810 122 - Guide Dog Shop 1800 007 460

Guide Dogs Queensland is a proud member of the International Guide Dog Federation. In addition, our organisation is a Quality Endorsed Company.

All Client Services provided through Guide Dogs Queensland comply with the '9' Queensland Standards for Disability Services (1997).