Privacy and right to information

Personal information is any information which identifies an individual or allows their identity to be reasonably ascertained.

The Information Privacy Principles are a set of rules which regulate the way in which personal information is to be managed by the University throughout its lifecycle from initial collection to eventual disposal. The Information Privacy Principles cover the following functional activities:

• collection of personal information;
• storage and security;
• access and amendment;
• use within the University of personal information;
• disclosure of personal information to person’s outside the university.

JCU must only collect personal information that is necessary for legitimate University functions and activities. When collecting personal information from staff or students, they must be made aware of:

• why the information is being collected;
• the authority for the collection;
• the types of organisations to which the University usually discloses the information;
• the right of the person to access their personal information;
• the contact details of the Right to Information and Privacy Contact Officer.

Staff must also take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure – it must only be used for the primary purpose of collection. If the private information is to be used for another purpose, then consent must be obtained from each individual.

Individuals must also be informed about their right to access their personal information in accordance with Right to Information and Information Privacy laws

Right to Information is the Queensland Government's approach to giving the community greater access to information. The Queensland Government has made a commitment to provide access to information held by the Government, unless on balance it is contrary to the public interest to provide that information.

Right to Information aims to make more information available, provide equal access to information across all sectors of the community, and provide appropriate protection for individuals' privacy. Further information is available in the University's Right to Information and Privacy websites here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/right-to-information-and-privacy

The University’s Right to Information Policy specifies the right to access information and documents containing non-personal information held by the University. Documents may be in hard copy or electronic format and include files, reports, emails, correspondence, computer printouts, maps, plans, photographs, and audio and video recordings.