Privacy Policy

This is a summary of our privacy policy. You can obtain a full copy of our privacy policy by contacting us at qlawadmin@fls.org.au.

Protecting your rights
FLS respects your privacy and personal information, whether you are a client, stakeholder or anyone else. FLS has obligations, and you have rights, under Commonwealth and Victorian Privacy Law. We are guided by the Australian Privacy Principles.

As a legal service, we also have legal and ethical obligations in relation to confidentiality. FLS cannot disclose any client information that has come to us in our professional capacity except with your consent or in very narrow circumstances defined by law.

Information about you that we collect
So as to provide services or support, we collect personal information about you. Below is the type of information we commonly collect:

  • Name, date of birth and contact details

  • Family type, country of birth, year of arrival in Australia, language spoken at home

  • Financial information such as housing, occupation, financial status and income

  • Sensitive information such as racial or ethnic background, criminal history, health information, English proficiency, need for an interpreter, or disability

  • Information about your circumstances and the matter you are seeking advice on

Other types of information we collect include payment details for people who make donations or provide services to FLS, dietary and accessibility requirements for people attending training and events, and employment history/referee details for people applying for jobs with us. We may collect statistical information regarding the use of our websites, including server address and dates and times of visit.

We collect personal information directly from you unless it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so. If we receive information from another source (like a referring organisation), we will take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware of the information we have collected about you.

How we secure and store your information
FLS also takes reasonable steps to ensure personal information is protected from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. All archived files will be stored in a secure environment, including in electronic form, that cannot be accessed by the general public and/or any person without express authority. When you contact us for assistance through our website, your information will be emailed to us for a response, no information is stored on our website.

How we use, hold and disclose personal information
FLS collects, holds, uses and discloses personal information for the following purposes:

  • to assess whether a client is eligible for assistance;

  • to provide legal services, referral or arrangement of non-legal assistance to clients;

  • in research, policy, law reform and media initiatives (with express consent)

  • to answer enquiries and provide information or advice about FLS services;

  • to recruit staff, contractors and volunteers;

  • for planning, quality control and for the creation of anonymous case studies;

  • for use in monitoring and assessing FLS services, including as part of peer review of service, and reporting to funding providers; and

  • to process and respond to any complaints, and to comply with any law, rule, regulation, lawful and binding determination.

Accessing information we hold about you
You have the right under privacy law to see any personal information that FLS holds about you, and to seek correction if you believe it is wrong. Please contact us at qlawadmin@fls.org.au.

Making a query or complaint
If you have a question or a complaint about how we manage your personal information or your confidentiality, you can contact us at [email]. If you make a complaint, we will acknowledge that it has been received and action it as soon as possible, and respond within 30 days.

If you are dissatisfied with FLS’ response, a complaint can be made to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (by telephone: 1300 363 992, by email enquiries@oaic.gov.au or by post: GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001), or other regulatory bodies such as the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, or the Health Complaints Commissioner.

Contacting FLS
For questions about this Privacy Policy, as well as any concerns contact the Legal Director, Day Service, Service Director Q+Law or Service Director Night Service.

Changes to the Policy
FLS may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will be held in the Policies and Procedures folder on the FLS Server.