Genomics Australia is a non-statutory specialist function within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. This information should be read in conjunction with our full Privacy Policy.
Website privacy policy
Our website privacy policy explains how we handle your personal information obtained via the website, how we use cookies, how we record website visits and how we link to other websites. This includes how we collect, store, secure, access, use and disclose it. It should be read in conjunction with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website Privacy Policy, which applies to this website.
We protect your privacy in line with the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Australian Government Agencies Privacy Code.
Information we collect
When you visit our website, our web measurement tools and internet service providers record information including:
- your server and IP address
- the name of the top-level domain (for example, .gov, .com, .edu, .au)
- the type of browser used
- the date and time you accessed the website
- how you interacted with our website
- the previous website you visited.
Why we collect it and how we use it
We use the above information to understand how our website is being used. This helps us improve our website and provide you with a better experience.
Personal information
Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable. Information is identifiable if the relevant person can be identified. Examples might include your name, email or phone number.
If we ask you to provide additional personal information (for example, on a form), we will explain:
- why we need this information
- how we will use it.
Please see the privacy notice below in relation to providing information about Genomics Australia Network subscription/s.
If you choose not to provide the information it may affect our ability to respond and deliver services.
Sharing your personal information
The law, including the Privacy Act 1988, protects your personal information.
Your personal information will not be disclosed to any other person, body or agency unless:
- you give us permission
- it is authorised or required by law
- it meets one of the other exceptions in the Australian Privacy Principles.
If we need to share information with a third party as part of our service to you, the form you fill in will tell you about it.
For more information see our full Privacy Policy.
How we store information
We comply with Australian Government security policies such as the:
- Attorney-General Department’s Protective Security Policy Framework
- Department of Defence’s Information Security Manual.
We do not keep information that we no longer need for the purpose it was collected, unless the law requires us to do so. It is either destroyed or de-identified as required under the Archives Act 1983.
Only authorised Department of Health, Disability and Ageing staff can access personal information stored by us. Security features protect it from unauthorised access.
We store information in different ways, including:
- our document and records management systems
- cloud storage
- browser storage
- cookies.
We use cookies (small files stored on your device) created both by us and third parties. Cookies allow us to recognise an individual web user as they browse our website. The cookie identifies your browser or device, not you personally. No personal information is stored within cookies used by our website. The information collected includes when you accessed our website, how you accessed the site (for example, from a search engine or an advertisement) and what you did on the website.
The information generated by the cookie may be transmitted to and stored by Facebook and Google, who may use this information for the purpose of compiling reports on website activity for us (or advertising agencies engaged to act on our behalf). Demographic and interest reports may be generated including characteristics such as your age, gender and location. These reports do not identify you personally. We may use them to provide targeted advertising to you and to make policy decisions. If you prefer not to receive cookies, you can adjust your browser settings. However, you may not be able to use the full functionality of the website.
We apply a range of security controls to protect our websites from unauthorised access. However, you should be aware that:
- the internet is an unsecured public network
- there is a risk that your transactions (including emails) may be seen, intercepted or modified by third parties
- downloadable files may contain computer viruses, disabling codes, worms or other devices or defects.
Links to other websites
Our website contains links to other third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, or the material on their websites.
Privacy notice
This privacy notice applies to the Genomics Australia Network subscription/s.
This notice explains how we (the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) manage personal or professional information consistent with our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Information we collect
We collect information about you, including your:
- name
- email address
- state or territory
- primary area of interest in health genomics
Why we collect this information
We use this information to add you to the network subscriber list/s and send you:
- news and updates on Genomics Australia
- information about engagement opportunities.
We may also use your information to:
- measure newsletter and email performance
- target information to subscribers (for instance, by location or interest).
This information is provided directly from you when you complete the online sign-up form.
If you do not provide your email address, we cannot send you our e-newsletter.
Who we disclose your personal information to
Citizen Space, by Delib, is responsible for the mailing list data collection platform.
Please be aware that by subscribing to our Genomics Australia networks:
- you consent to Citizen Space collecting, using, disclosing, and storing your personal information as set out in their privacy policy
- you agree to accept Citizen Space’s terms and conditions.
Delib is a third-party software provider that operates the Citizen Space platform that is used to collect information for the Genomics Australia networks (that is, the Genomics Australia networks sign-up website).
Citizen Space receives information that cookies generate about your use of the website (including your IP address).
The information provided by your computer when you use this website is collected by Delib. For example, your browser type, IP address, language preference, referring site and the date and time. The purpose for collecting this information is to maintain the security of the website and for operating and improving the software.
When you access and use this site, the personal information you submit through the online form will go to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Delib will not access your personal information unless requested to do so by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and only for the purposes of assisting them with the administration of the site.
Genomics Australia (the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) may also disclose your personal information to:
- anyone you’ve agreed we can share your personal information with
- anyone the law requires or authorises us to share your personal information with.
Accessing and correcting your personal information
You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. You can ask us to update it if it is incorrect. Please contact us to make an enquiry.
We will take reasonable steps to give you a copy of, and/or correct, your information within 30 days, unless there is lawful reason not to do so. If this happens we will, where reasonable:
- give you a written notice explaining why
- let you know how you can make a complaint
- at your request, make a note on your file detailing the information you believe to be incorrect.
If you request us to, we will alert third parties who hold your information that we have updated it.
Complaints
If you believe that we have breached the Privacy Act, the Australian Government Agencies Privacy Code or mishandled your personal information, please contact us. Please provide as much information as possible so we can investigate and respond.
We will:
- let you know that we have received your complaint
- do our best to respond within 30 days of receiving your complaint. If we can’t respond within this timeframe we will let you know.
If you’re not happy with our response, you can contact the OAIC.
Privacy Impact Assessments
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing conducts Privacy Impact Assessments for all appropriate projects with a high privacy risk to:
- identify the impact that the activity or project might have on your privacy
- recommend how we can manage, minimise or remove that impact.
Details of Privacy Impact Assessments conducted by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing since 1 July 2018 are available on our Privacy Impact Assessment Register.
More information
Read our full Privacy Policy.
Departmental privacy enquiries
Contact us to find out more about privacy within the department, or to make a privacy enquiry or complaint.