How Your Information Is Protected
As a member of accredited professional associations, I am bound by strict Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct. These codes require adherence to established clinical and privacy protocols designed to protect both you and your personal information.
In addition, the practice complies with:
Victorian Health Records Act 2001
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (VIC)
Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
These legislative frameworks govern how health and personal information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed.
Professional Ethical Standards
Membership in recognised industry associations requires adherence to the following core ethical principles:
1. Professional Competence
Services are provided strictly within the scope of qualifications, training, and clinical experience. Ongoing professional development is undertaken to maintain high standards of practice.
2. Informed Consent
Before commencing therapy, clients are provided with clear information regarding the nature of treatment, intended outcomes, potential risks, fees, and policies. Treatment proceeds only with informed consent.
3. Confidentiality
All client information is treated as confidential. Disclosure occurs only:
With your explicit written consent
Where required or authorised by law
Where there is a serious and imminent threat to health or safety
4. Professional Boundaries
Appropriate therapeutic boundaries are maintained at all times. Dual relationships and conflicts of interest are avoided to preserve clinical objectivity and client welfare.
5. Non-Discrimination
All clients are treated with respect and equity, regardless of background, beliefs, gender, race, age, or other personal characteristics.
6. Ethical Advertising
All public communications are accurate and evidence-informed. No false, misleading, or exaggerated claims are made regarding treatment outcomes.
7. Duty of Care
Client safety, welfare, and best interests are the primary priority. Where appropriate, referrals are made to medical or allied health professionals.
8. Record-Keeping
Accurate, factual, and secure clinical records are maintained in accordance with legal and ethical requirements. Access is restricted to authorised individuals only.
Privacy & Health Information Legislation
Victorian Health Records Act 2001
This Act regulates the handling of health information in Victoria.
Key principles include:
Health information is collected only when necessary for providing care
You are informed about why information is collected and how it will be used
Information is used only for its primary purpose unless consent or legal authority permits otherwise
Reasonable steps are taken to ensure accuracy and security
You have the right to access and request correction of your health records
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) & Australian Privacy Principles
The Commonwealth Privacy Act establishes 13 Australian Privacy Principles governing personal information handling.
These principles require:
Lawful and transparent collection of information
Use and disclosure limited to the purpose for which it was collected
Protection of data against misuse, interference, loss, or unauthorised access
Rights of access and correction
Additional safeguards for sensitive information, including health data
Mandatory notification in the event of eligible data breaches
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (VIC)
This legislation governs how Victorian public sector bodies manage personal information and establishes Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) and data security standards.
Although primarily directed at public sector agencies, the standards reinforce broader Victorian privacy protections and inform best-practice data handling within healthcare environments.
Data Security Practices
Reasonable and appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information, including:
Secure storage of electronic and physical records
Password-protected and access-controlled systems
Limitation of access to authorised personnel only
Secure communication practices
Compliance with notifiable data breach obligations
Records are retained in accordance with Victorian health record retention requirements.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Request access to your health information
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Ask how your information is used or disclosed
Lodge a complaint if you believe your privacy has been breached
Complaints may be directed to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).
In Summary
Your personal and health information is treated with strict confidentiality, managed in accordance with Victorian and Commonwealth legislation, and handled within established professional ethical frameworks.
If you would like further information regarding privacy practices, please make contact using the enquiry form below.