Privacy Statement – Privacy and Information Sharing

The Shire of Gnowangerup ("the Shire") is bound by the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 ("the PRIS Act") and the Information Privacy Principles ("IPPs") set out in the PRIS Act.

This Privacy Statement sets out how the Shire collects, uses and discloses information collected through its website and online services.

This Privacy Statement does not apply to external websites that are linked from the Shire's website. The Shire is not responsible for, and does not endorse or otherwise approve, the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party websites that are linked from the Shire's website. If you follow a link to another website, we recommend that you read that website's privacy statement or policy to understand how your information will be managed.

Collection Notices

A collection notice helps people understand how the Shire collects and manages their personal information.

Collection means obtaining personal information from any source or by any method, including directly from an individual, from a third party, or by creating new personal information through the use or interpretation of existing information.

When you use a specific form or service, we may provide a collection notice at the point of collection. The information below explains how we collect, use and disclose information collected through collection notices.

Collection of Personal Information

In accordance with the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024, the Shire may collect personal information for a range of statutory and administrative purposes.

The personal information we collect may include, but is not limited to:

  • your name;
  • your date of birth;
  • your contact details (such as your email address, residential or postal address, and telephone number);
  • your bank account and payment card details;
  • your employment details (current and previous), including information submitted in employment applications;
  • identifying information such as a driver's licence number or concession card details;
  • a unique identifier, online identifier, or pseudonym;
  • your IP address;
  • top-level domain information (.com, .net, .gov.au, etc.);
  • your internet browser type;
  • the date and time of your visit to our website;
  • the pages you view and the time spent on those pages;
  • documents viewed, accessed, or downloaded;
  • information about how our website is accessed and used;
  • information relevant to services provided by the Shire or associated service providers; and
  • information about how you reached our website, such as through a search engine or referring website.

How We Collect Personal Information

The Shire collects personal information about residents, ratepayers, businesses, customers, visitors, contractors, volunteers and other stakeholders for the administration of its services and functions, including communication, recordkeeping, reporting and governance obligations as required by law.

For example, you may provide your personal information when you interact with the Shire:

  • when registering for a Shire event, program, activity or community initiative;
  • when registering for a Shire service;
  • when lodging an application, request, or permit;
  • when making a payment or conducting a transaction with the Shire;
  • when applying for employment, contracting opportunities, or volunteer positions;
  • when undertaking activities required under legislation;
  • when contacting us online, by telephone, in person, or in writing;
  • when subscribing to newsletters or mailing lists;
  • when participating in consultation, engagement, research, surveys, or service improvement activities; and
  • when using our website, where cookies and third-party analytics tools may collect browsing information.

How Personal Information Is Used and Disclosed

The personal information collected by the Shire will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected, or for a purpose that you would reasonably expect in connection with the Shire's functions, services and activities.

Examples include:

  • administering rates and property records;
  • processing applications, permits, licences and approvals;
  • providing community and recreational services;
  • communicating with residents, ratepayers and stakeholders;
  • responding to enquiries, requests and complaints;
  • administering employment and volunteer processes;
  • managing community engagement and consultation activities; and
  • conducting research, planning and service improvements.

The Shire may disclose personal information to third parties where:

  • the disclosure is required or authorised by law;
  • the disclosure relates to information that the public has a right to access under legislation;
  • the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the life, health, safety or welfare of an individual or the public;
  • the individual concerned has consented to the disclosure;
  • the disclosure is necessary for the performance of the Shire's functions; or
  • the information is provided to contractors, consultants or service providers engaged by the Shire to perform services on its behalf.

Security, Protection and Retention

The Shire takes reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure, including by:

  • maintaining secure physical premises, systems and records;
  • restricting access to personal information to authorised employees and contractors who require access to perform their duties;
  • implementing technological safeguards such as firewalls, antivirus software and secure networks; and
  • ensuring appropriate privacy and security obligations are included in contracts with third-party service providers.

The Shire maintains information management and risk management practices to support compliance with legislative requirements and the secure handling of information.

The Shire will not retain personal information for longer than necessary. Records are retained and disposed of in accordance with applicable legislation, recordkeeping requirements and approved retention and disposal schedules.

Anonymity

Where lawful and practicable, individuals may choose not to identify themselves or may use a pseudonym when dealing with the Shire.

However, in some circumstances the Shire may be unable to provide a service, process an application, or respond to a request where personal information is not provided.

Access and Correction of Personal Information

Under the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 and the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), you may have the right to request access to, or correction of, personal information held by the Shire.

You may also request access to, and correction of, your personal information where Information Privacy Principle 6 under the PRIS Act applies.

Requests for access to, or correction of, personal information should be directed to:

Attention: Information Sharing Officer

Email: gnpshire@gnowangerup.wa.gov.au

In writing to: Shire of Gnowangerup