Online Privacy Statement

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information, This DEECD Online Privacy Statement governs the collection, storage, use, access and disposal of data including all personal information obtained on DEECD web sites. Please take some time to read through this statement and understand our position on privacy. This privacy statement will be updated from time to time so please visit this page regularly.

This Privacy Statement does not apply to linked websites that are not DEECD sites. When you link to another site we recommend you read the privacy statement of that site.

DEECD has an information privacy policy and handles personal information in accordance with the Victorian Privacy laws: the Information Privacy Act 2000 and Health Records Act 2001. This policy is available on request.

Collection of Information

Two types of online data is collected by DEECD:

Visitor logs and statistics
Information provided by users through online forms, registration, databases and feedback.

Visitor logs and statistics

DEECD sites gather statistics on users' online experience. Information collected includes:

Visitor server addresses and domains
The times and dates the site was visited
The pages visitors accessed and files downloaded
Visitors' browsers and operating systems

The main purpose for collecting this information is to provide statistical information used for web-site and system administration. The information does not identify individual users but does identify the computer that is used to access our sites.

Logged information is not disclosed outside of DEECD staff or those under contract to conduct maintenance to web server components. We make no attempt to identify individuals from these records unless it is necessary to the investigation of a breach of law.

User Information

Some DEECD sites require visitors to provide personal information when they engage in online activities such as subscribing to conferences, participating in DEECD email discussion groups, registering online for education activities, completing online forms and feedback. Personal information collected may include a visitor's first and last name, postal address, e-mail address, employer, job title and department, telephone and fax numbers.

Any personal information collected is used for the purpose of providing on-line services and monitoring these. All DEECD staff have a legal duty to protect the privacy of your personal information and ensure it is used only for the purpose to which you have agreed. DEECD does not make available users' personal information to other organisations or individuals. Personal information is handled in accordance with Victorian privacy legislation and is stored and disposed of in accordance with DEECD's Record Keeping Policy. Please contact DEECD Online Publishing Unit on 61-3-9637 2829 if you would like more information.

DEECD does not guarantee secure transmission of data transmitted via its websites. If you have any concerns about providing the personal information asked for please call DEECD Online Publishing Unit on 61-3-9637 2829 and we can make arrangements to suit you.

Do not provide any secure personal information online such as a password or credit card number or information that you wish to keep confidential.

If you would like to access your personal information or to amend or correct it collected please contact DEECD Online Publishing Unit on 61-3-9637 2829.

Use of Authenticated DEECD sites

DEECD secure sites, which require a username and password for access verification gather information on a user's online experiences, through the use of a visitors username. Please keep your access codes secure and do not share them.

Use of Cookies

Cookies are small text files which are generated by our servers and stored onto your computer. They allow us to recognise when you return to certain sites and allow us to register user preferences.

DEECD does not generally build websites that involve the use of cookies. Where a DEECD site uses cookies, this will be indicated within the privacy statement on that site.

On DEECD sites that do use cookies, a cookie is sent from our server and automatically placed on your computer without notification. Personal preferences or information may be stored in the cookie which is then sent back to the server on completion of the session. Cookies may be turned off within your browser, however, this may make some sites unusable.

More information on cookies can be found on Cookie Central

Online Privacy Statement Comments

DEECD welcomes your comments regarding this Privacy Statement. If you believe that any DEECD division, site, or employee has not adhered to this Statement please contact DEECD by email, fax, or mail.

Merit Protection Boards
Level 9, 35 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Fax 61-3-9651 0299
Email: corbidge.shaun.s@edumail.vic.gov.au

For further information regarding Privacy, view the Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000 (http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/sb/2000_Act/A00814.html)