The Department of Defence (Defence) is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) that govern the handling of personal information (including sensitive information).
Defence collects personal information in relation to a notification of an incident of unacceptable behaviour from the complainant/s, respondent/s and witness/es, which may include:
- name
- phone number
- email address
- PMKeyS number
- other relevant information relating to the incident.
Reasons for collection and use
Personal information collected in response to a notification of an incident of unacceptable behaviour is collected to:
- allow Defence to meet its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- assist in the management of complaints by commanders, managers, supervisors and appointed complaint managers when conducting inquiries and investigations in response to an alleged unacceptable behaviour complaint
- report and initiate further inquiry or investigation into the unacceptable behaviour conduct of Defence personnel in accordance with the
- allow for relevant Service, career management and posting decisions in accordance with the Defence Act 1903 and Defence Regulations 2016
- monitor progress and outcomes of unacceptable behaviour complaints through recording of incidents in the Defence ERP Case Management Solution.
Use and disclosure of collected information
Defence will only use and disclose personal information collected in relation to a notification and management of an incident of unacceptable behaviour in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
The personal information of a person involved in unacceptable behaviour incidents may be disclosed to:
- a person for the purpose of providing a person procedural fairness
- a person for the purpose of providing resolution services
- the Department of Veterans' Affairs in accordance with a request under Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
- Comcare in accordance with Complaints and Alternative Resolutions Manual Chapter 3, Part 4 and in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- civilian police if the incident involves an alleged criminal offence
- another person or entity where the disclosure is required or authorised by or under an Australian law or a court/tribunal order.
De‐identified information may be used for reporting, statistical and analytical purposes. All information collected in relation to notification of an incident of unacceptable behaviour will be stored securely.
Defence personnel may request a copy of their personal information collected in accordance with APP 12. They can raise any concerns regarding the handling of their personal information to the Defence Privacy Office at defence.privacy@defence.gov.au.