When this privacy notice applies
This privacy notice applies to participants of the statutory Bonded Medical Program. This notice explains how we collect, use and manage personal information about program participants, including information collected directly from participants and information collected from other people or entities.
We only collect personal information where it is reasonably necessary to:
- administer the program
- verify information
- support participants
- monitor compliance
- meet legal obligations.
Information we collect
We collect your personal information with your consent or where otherwise permitted by legislation. In certain circumstances, we may collect personal information about you that is collected by other Australian Government, state and territory government agencies, or other entities.
We take reasonable steps to notify you, or ensure you are aware, of relevant collection matters as per the Australian Privacy Principles. This includes:
- the fact and circumstances of collection
- whether collection is required or authorised by law
- why we collect the information
- who we disclose it to.
Why we collect this information
We collect information to administer or enforce the provisions of Part VD of the Health Insurance Act 1973. This includes using information to confirm eligibility, monitor compliance, verify employment details and support participants.
Section 124ZR of the Act authorises the department to collect, use and disclose participant information, including personal information, where reasonably necessary to administer or enforce the provisions of Part VD of the Act.
Section 124ZS of the Act specifies that collection, use or disclosure of information relating to a program participant under section 124ZR of the Act is also an authorisation to collect, use or disclose information for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988.
How we collect this information
We collect your information through the Bonded Return of Service System, by email or phone.
Who we disclose your personal information to
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
- where otherwise permitted under Part VD of the Act.
We may disclose your information to the following persons or entities for the purpose of administering the Program:
- Your employer
- Your university
- Rural Workforce Agencies
- Services Australia
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
We may also disclose your information to other government entities, oversight bodies, legal advisers, courts or tribunals, and other organisations where this is necessary to administer or enforce the program, support compliance, verify information, manage reviews or complaints, or where required or authorised by law.
We will not disclose personal information to overseas recipients unless required by law.
How we store your information
We store and manage your personal information in accordance with the department’s record management policies and security requirements. 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.
Only authorised department staff can access personal information stored by us. Security features protect your personal information it from unauthorised access.
How we handle sensitive information
Sensitive information may include health information or other details you provide to support your participation in the program.
We only collect sensitive information where:
- it is reasonably necessary for program administration
- you have consented
- the collection is otherwise required or authorised by law.
By sharing sensitive information, such as health details, you agree to our collecting it for the purposes described above.
We use and disclose sensitive information only for the purposes described here, including to assess eligibility, verify information, monitor compliance, support participants and meet legal obligations.
We take reasonable steps to protect sensitive information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Access is limited to people who need the information to perform their duties.
For example, the sensitive information that we collect may include, but is not limited to:
- information about your personal circumstances (including employment details, medical certificates, information about your medical history, any illness, disability or injury you may have) to support an exceptional circumstances request
- a family member’s medical history where relevant to support an extension or evidential requirements for establishing a medical condition as per section 13 of the Rule).
For family members of a program participant, refer to the Privacy notice for family members of Program participants.
How you can access or correct your information
Your information is being collected by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. To find out more about privacy enquiries, request access or correct your personal information please email the bondedmedicalprogram@health.gov.au.
Our privacy policy explains how we comply with the Privacy Act 1988.
Concerns and complaints
Our privacy policy explains how you can make a complaint if you think we have breached:
The privacy policy also explains how we will manage your complaint.
More on privacy
Our Privacy Policy provides detailed information about our personal information handling practices, including:
- the kinds of personal information that we collect and hold
- how we collect and hold your personal information
- the purpose for which we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information
- personal information that may be disclosed to overseas recipients
- how you can contact us if you want to access or correct personal information that we hold about you
- how you can complain about a breach of the Privacy Act 1988 and how we will respond to your complaint.
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