Privacy and data protection policy
The Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) (PDPA) was introduced in 2014 and has repealed the Information Privacy Act 2000. This legislation regulates the way information is collected, used, disclosed, kept and accessed. This legislation is in addition to the disclosure provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 (the Act). The Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria (Vetboard Victoria) upholds its obligations under the PDPA and is committed to the responsible handling of personal information and protecting an individual’s right to privacy. Personal information is generally defined as “anything which identifies an individual”. If you would like to contact us about the way Vetboard Victoria handles your personal information, please call us on 03 9620 7444.
Policy content
Access to our website
You can access Vetboard Victoria's website and browse anonymously without disclosing your personal information. Vetboard Victoria will only collect personal information from you with your prior knowledge and consent. No attempt will be made to identify users or their browsing activities from any statistics generated by the website.
Collection of personal information
Vetboard Victoria will only collect personal information that is necessary to fulfil its functions under the Veterinary Practice Act 1997. This information will be collected by lawful and fair means, with your consent, and will be used for a lawful purpose. All documentation the Board produces in relation to the collection of personal information will carry a statement advising you of your rights under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. At or before the time of collection of information, you will be advised whether your information may be disclosed to a third party.
The types of organisations to which Vetboard Victoria usually discloses personal information include:
- other veterinary registration authorities in Australia and overseas
- other Commonwealth and/or State Government regulatory authorities
- registered medical practitioners
- complainants and the Board’s solicitors
- drug wholesalers.
Use and disclosure of information
Vetboard Victoria will only use personal information for the purpose it has been collected. Personal information will only be disclosed to a third party in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and upon gaining your consent.
Personal information quality
Vetboard Victoria's goal is to ensure that your personal information is accurate, complete and up to date. To assist us with this, please keep us informed of any changes to your details. You are able to access and update your information at any time. If you feel we hold information about you that is incorrect or out of date, please contact us.
Personal information security
The Veterinary Practice Act 1997 has a secrecy provision which prohibits any member or officer of the Board from disclosing personal information except in performing their duties or in specific situations to assist a law enforcement agency. There are substantial penalties for breaking this provision. Vetboard Victoria will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that personal information it holds is kept secure. Reasonable steps will be taken to de-identify any personal information no longer required.
Vetboard Victoria uses a reliable and secure computer system. However, you should be aware that, although we strive to protect information transmitted via our website, there may be inherent risks associated with the transmission of data via the internet. Vetboard Victoria shall not be responsible for the propagation of computer worms, viruses or other harmful components transmitted from this site and other third-party sites. Vetboard Victoria recommends that you ensure that your browser is equipped with updated virus protection software. If any of the above concerns you, please contact Vetboard Victoria via conventional means (by telephone, by post or in person).
Email addresses
Email addresses will only be used to respond to specific user queries, to disseminate Vetboard Victoria's newsletters or to advise users of upcoming important dates. Email addresses will not be disclosed to any other party without your consent.
Openness, access and correction
Vetboard Victoria will tell you why we collect your personal information, what we do with it and how you may access it. Incorrect or inaccurate information will be corrected as identified. All requests for access to personal information should be sent in writing to:
General Manager & Registrar | Vetboard Victoria | Level 14, 10-16 Queen Street | Melbourne VIC 3000.
Unique identifiers
Vetboard Victoria uses a stand-alone filing system and assigns unique identifiers to enable it to identify you for the purposes of your business with us. We do not use identifiers from other government agencies, such as driving licence or tax file numbers.
Anonymity
Where you wish to, and it is legally permissible and practical to do so, Vetboard Victoria will deal with your enquiries anonymously. However, there may be occasions when Vetboard Victoria may not be able to complete your request due to insufficient information.
Transborder data flows
Personal information is sent interstate or overseas, when:
- you have made a request and given your consent, e.g. made an application for a Letter of Professional Standing, or
- the Act requires the Board to forward information
- data transfer is in accordance with Principle 9 – TransBorder Data Flows, of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
If the exchange of data is at your request, Vetboard Victoria will send the information to the address details you have provided.
Sensitive information
Vetboard Victoria does not collect sensitive information about veterinary practitioners. However, such data may be required to complete the registration process. If sensitive information is required, Vetboard Victoria will seek consent prior to commencing collection of the sensitive information.
Contacting Vetboard Victoria
Please contact Vetboard Victoria if:
- you believe that someone has gained access to your personal information by mistake
- you would like to discuss any issues about your privacy
- you wish to know what personal information the Board is holding about you, or
- you would like to gain access to or amend the information.
Our contact information
- Mail: [email protected]
- Telephone: +61 3 9620 7444
- Post or in person:
Vetboard Victoria | Level 14 |10-16 Queen Street | Melbourne VIC 3000