Privacy Policy

From 1 February 2021, functions previously performed by the Department of Health and Human Services are performed by two separate departments: the Department of Health (DH) and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and their respective funded and contracted service providers have access to, and protects the personal and health information of clients and staff.

This access is often provided to the departments based on trust. Therefore, it is critical that the departments protect the privacy of this personal and health information.

To access information about the Department of Health privacy policy visit the Department of Health website.

DFFH privacy policy

For information about how the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing collect, use and store personal or health information, you should refer to the DFFH Privacy Policy.

Reporting Privacy Incidents

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Reporting privacy incidents by Funded Agencies

Following 1 February 2021, funded organisations should report any privacy incidents to their responsible department.

The reporting forms require the agency to enter details about the privacy incident, clients involved, immediate risks, and how the incident is being managed.

Once the report is submitted, the nominated funded organisation contact will receive a confirmation email.

For DFFH funded organisations, the report should be submitted through the Feedback Management System. The report will be received by the privacy officer and directed to the funded organisation’s contract manager within the department (i.e. the Area advisor), who will work with the funded organisation to manage the incident as required. Read more about the Feedback Management System and Reporting incidents on the Providers website.

For DOH funded organisations, please report an incident by emailing the DOH privacy team at privacy@health.vic.gov.au.

Further assistance

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Information sharing laws to improve healthcare quality and safety

From 27 August 2020, Victoria has had new laws to help keep patients safe in health care. The laws make it easier for some health services and parts of the government, including the Department of Health, to share confidential information and work together to make Victorian health care safer and better for patients.

Frequently asked questions about the new laws for patients and for health services are available under Related information below.

Contacts

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Email the Privacy team privacy@dffh.vic.gov.au