How the NDIA protects and discloses your information
SEVERAL items of legislation regulate not only the workings of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but also how the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is allowed to collect, use and disclose your information.
Federal legislation like the Privacy Act 1988 and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 impose certain obligations on the NDIA when dealing with your personal information.
Personal information
This is information about an identified individual (or an individual who is reasonably identifiable).
Personal information includes sensitive information, like a person’s ethnic origin, religious beliefs, and health information.
Your name, home address, contact number, date of birth, employment and bank account details are all examples of personal information.
Collection
The NDIA is allowed to collect and hold information which is reasonably necessary for it to carry out its role.
It may collect an NDIS participant’s personal information, as well as the personal information of its employees, contractors, providers and other users.
Information collected and held by the NDIA is considered ‘protected information’ by the NDIS Act.
You may choose to deal with the NDIA anonymously, but this may prove impractical should you wish to become a participant or registered provider.
Use
The NDIA may use the information they collect for the purpose of providing services, like implementing the NDIS, communicating with participants and health service providers, and conducting research and evaluation on the NDIS.
Disclosure
The NDIA will de–identify any personal information they might need to disclose to third parties.
However, they will not normally disclose a participant’s personal information to anyone outside the NDIA, except where they refer that participant to an external provider.
The NDIA may also disclose your information to a third party if you consent to the disclosure, or where the disclosure is authorised or required by law.
If you have any questions about the NDIA’s privacy policy, call 1800 800 110.