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Information privacy

Hand resting on a ring binder folder

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) values and protects the personal information it collects in the course of undertaking its responsibilities in the agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy and earth resources industries.

DPI is bound by the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001, and other legislation that imposes obligations in regard to the handling of information.

Privacy legislation seeks to create a balance between public interest in the free flow of information and public interest in respecting privacy and protecting personal information in the public sector.

Personal information

Personal information is information about an individual, whether fact or opinion, from which that individual could reasonably be identified. The amount and type of personal information DPI collects about individuals depends on the nature of your relationship with the Department and your requirements from us.

Collection of personal information

DPI only collects personal information that is necessary for it to manage or administer its functions or services. These functions and services include:

  • compliance with legislation regulating the agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy and earth resources industries.
  • administration of licences and permits
  • enhancement and promotion of agricultural commodities, commercial and recreational fishing opportunities, and extractive, oil, gas and mineral industries
  • encouragement and delivery of new and innovative technologies contributing to the sustainable use of Victoria’s natural resource base.

Wherever possible, we collect information from you directly. We aim to collect it lawfully, fairly and without undue intrusion.

At the time the information is collected, DPI will advise an individual:

  • the purpose for which the information is collected
  • names of other organisations that may be given access to the information
  • any law that requires the information to be collected
  • if there are any consequences for not providing the information.

Consent will be sought if DPI needs to collect sensitive personal information about an individual. Sensitive information includes information about your racial or ethnic origin, political opinions or associations, religious and philosophical beliefs and associations, trade union or professional association, sexual preference and practice and criminal record.

Use and disclosure of personal information

DPI uses information only for the purpose for which it was collected or a related purpose you might reasonably expect. You may consent for your personal information to be used for another specific purpose (providing it is not sensitive information, which can only be used for the purpose it was collected and a directly related purpose).

In some circumstances DPI is required or authorised by law to release information to other government agencies, law enforcement bodies or to prevent a serious and imminent threat to an individual’s life, health, safety or welfare.

Data quality

DPI will seek to ensure that the personal information they collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date. In many instances DPI relies on you to provide accurate and complete information, and to advise the Department should your circumstances change over time.

Data security

DPI will endeavour to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure and securely destroy or unidentify personal information when it is no longer needed for any purpose.

Access and correction

Individuals have a right to access and correct information held by DPI about them. In most cases, requests for access will be administered through the Freedom of Information process. This is particularly so in relation to requests that involve information about commercial activities or information that affects the privacy of another individual.

Requests for personal information that are easy to retrieve and of a small quantity may be dealt with informally.

For information about Freedom of Information requests, telephone (03) 9658 4030 or email dpifoi.enquiries@dpi.vic.gov.au

Unique identifiers

A unique identifier is a code that consists of alphabet characters and numerals that is applied to an individual and distinguishes them from other individuals, for example a driver’s licence number. A unique identifier cannot be a person’s name.

DPI does not assign, use or disclose unique identifiers to individuals unless it is necessary to do so to perform one of its organisational functions efficiently. Further, DPI does not use an identifier assigned by another organisation as its own identifier or for another purpose.

Anonymity

DPI seeks to allow people to interact anonymously with the Department wherever it is practicable and lawful.

Interstate transfer of information

DPI only transfers personal information outside the state of Victoria where this is required for the purpose for which it was collected. When this happens DPI seeks to ensure that information is afforded the same level of privacy protection it would receive in Victoria.

Complaints

If you consider your privacy has been interfered with and wish to make a complaint, you can lodge your complaint by:

Privacy documents

Helpful links

Links to Australian Privacy Commissioners' websites

The information on this site is based generally upon the Information Privacy Act and Health Records Act. It is not a substitute for a full understanding of either legislation and does not constitute legal advice.