Privacy Policy

1.1 Collection of Personal Information

a) Growing Words Speech Pathology (GWSP) is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information collected from individuals in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012.

b) GWSP collects personal information directly from participants through various means, such as communication, health professional referrals, appointment bookings, and participation in activities, events, or programs.

c) The types of personal information collected include name, contact details, date of birth, developmental history, medical history, and information related to home life, support networks, and daily activities. With consent, photos, videos, and audio recordings may also be collected.

d) Sensitive information, such as family dynamics and areas of challenge, will only be collected with explicit consent or as permitted by law.

1.2 Purpose of Collecting Personal Information

a) Personal information is collected to assess, diagnose, plan, and implement appropriate support for participants.

b) This information may also be used to refer participants to other professionals, manage communication, maintain financial records, and perform other operational activities within GWSP.

c) If personal information is not provided, GWSP may be unable to offer services, programs, or access to clinicians, or assist in obtaining high-quality care from other professionals.

1.3 Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

a) Personal information collected by GWSP may be used for the following purposes:

• Creating and maintaining contact records.
• Assessing, diagnosing, and developing management plans.
• Documenting services provided.
• Communicating with other professionals as requested by the participant.
• Providing referrals to other professionals as needed.
• Conducting mail-outs for marketing purposes.
• Fulfilling legal responsibilities to funding bodies and regulatory agencies.
• Managing complaints and conducting audits or reviews.

b) Personal information may be disclosed to other members of GWSP, government agencies, regulatory bodies, health insurance and funding agencies, and third-party service providers with participant consent or where legally required.

c) GWSP does not typically disclose personal information to individuals outside of Australia. However, for participants subscribed to newsletters, names and email addresses are stored securely in a database outside of Australia, which is not accessible by unauthorized parties.

1.4 Security and Retention of Information

a) GWSP takes reasonable steps to ensure the personal information collected is accurate, complete, and up to date. Clients are asked to confirm or update their information annually or when changes occur.

b) Personal information is securely stored electronically and protected by encryption and password access. Information that is no longer relevant is confidentially destroyed.

1.5 Access to and Correction of Personal Information

a) Participants have the right to request access to the personal information held by GWSP. Requests must be submitted in writing and will be processed in compliance with legal requirements.

b) Participants may request corrections to their information if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. If access or correction is denied, GWSP will provide written reasons for the decision.

1.6 Website, Social Media, and Email Privacy

a) Personal information is only collected through GWSP’s website if voluntarily provided. Non-identifying information, such as browser type and domain name, may be collected to improve services.

b) Email addresses may be recorded if transmitted electronically. Participants should be aware of the risks associated with sending personal information over the internet. Alternative communication methods, such as post, fax, or phone, are available but may also carry risks.

c) GWSP’s website may contain links to other websites. GWSP’s privacy policy does not apply to external websites, and GWSP is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of other websites.

1.7 Complaints and Contact

a) Complaints regarding the handling of personal information can be directed to GWSP via the contact details provided. GWSP will endeavor to resolve complaints promptly.

b) Participants have the right to access or correct their personal information. Written requests will be processed in accordance with applicable laws.

For further information or to make a complaint, please contact our privacy officer at: lynette@growingwordssp.com.au.