Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) - Level 1

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The Privacy Act is the Federal Act which sets privacy standards for the responsible collection and handling of personal information. Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable. It does not include the personal information about an individual who passed away more than 30 years ago, or the personal information contained in a publicly available publication. When the University collects, manages, corrects and protects personal information relating to staff, students and identifiable visitors to the organisation and its infrastructure, it commits to doing so in accordance with applicable laws. Personal information provided to the University will be used for the purpose it is provided, to assist the University in undertaking its primary purposes (outlined within the University of New England Act, 1993 (NSW)) and any secondary purposes related to the primary purpose. UNE is not responsible for the privacy practice of web sites external to the University. The University will not disclose personal information without consent unless authorised by law. However, information may be disclosed to a third party if the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of you or another person. University staff are required under the Code of Conduct to follow policies and to comply with appropriate legislation in relation to privacy and other matters.

The Act also establishes the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (Federal) and Privacy Advisory Committee and defines their functions. The Act applies the Australian Privacy Principles and Approved Privacy Codes.