May 2008

Privacy help for people with print disability

A campaign by Privacy Victoria and the Office of the Health Services Commissioner, working with Vision Australia, is making Victoria’s 800,000 people with a print disability aware of their privacy rights.

‘Privacy laws mean State and local government, and organisations providing services to government, should tell you what they need your personal information for,’ said Victoria’s Privacy Commissioner Helen Versey.

‘It has to be accurate and kept secure and they can only use it for the right reasons.’

‘It is so important that members of our community who are blind or have low vision know they have these privacy rights,’ said Vision Australia Chief Executive officer Gerard Menses.

‘Having information in formats they can easily access helps maximise their independence and quality of life.’

•           Privacy rights information materials are now available in alternative formats, including braille, large print, audio CDs and audio files and e-text or HTML. They can be accessed at www.privacy.vic.gov.au.

•           People with questions about privacy issues—or who would like help with making a complaint—can contact Privacy Victoria’s Privacy Advice and Referral Line on 1300 666 444. The telephone line is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and uses telephone interpreting services where required.