Privacy and Security

Privacy

The Privacy Act 1988 defines personal information as “…information, about an individual whose identity is apparent or can be reasonably ascertained from the information or opinion.”

The Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA) treats personal information as confidential. Information received by the PLA is protected from unauthorised disclosure by virtue of the Prostitution Act 1999, the Public Service Act 1999 the Public Service Regulations 1999 and Information Standard 42. A breach of these laws makes an officer liable to criminal and/or civil penalty.

Security of information

The Prostitution Act 1999 has specific provisions that prohibit any officer of the PLA from disclosing any information obtained in the administration of the Act except in performing their duties or in specific situations permitted by law.

Your personal information will not be released unless the law permits it or your permission is given. While the PLA provides a secure environment, you should be aware there are inherent risks associated with the transmission of information via the Internet. For those who do not wish to use the Internet, the PLA provides alternative ways (for example, fax, letter and office visits) of obtaining and providing information. In some circumstances, PLA guidelines may require us to send particular information by non-electronic means.

Site visit data

This website is operated by the PLA. When visiting this site, a record of your visit is logged. Information is recorded for statistical purposes and is used by the PLA to monitor the use of the site, and to make improvements. The information we log when you access our website is:

• The user’s IP address
• The date and time of the visit to the site
• The pages accessed and the documents downloaded
• The user’s operating system (for example, Windows NT, Windows 98, etc)
• The user’s web browser version (for example, IE4, IE5, Netscape 6, etc)
• The time taken to transmit the information to the user.

No attempt is made to identify users or their browsing activities except in the event of an investigation into apparent improper use of the PLA Internet facility, or where a law enforcement agency exercises a warrant to inspect the site logs.

Cookies

Cookies are pieces of information that a website can transfer to an individual’s computer hard drive for record keeping. Cookies can make using websites easier to use by storing information about your preferences on a particular website. The information remains on your computer after the Internet session finishes. Most Internet browsers are pre-set to accept cookies. If you prefer not to received cookies, you can adjust your Internet browser to refuse cookies or to warn you when cookies are being used.

Collection, use and disclosure of personal information

When the PLA receives your email or fill-in form, your message becomes accessible to staff, and your email address may be recorded. However, personal information provided to us will be treated confidentially and will only be used and/or disclosed in accordance with your consent and/or the provisions of the Prostitution Act 1999.

Further information

Further information is available on this website. If you have privacy concerns, please contact the PLA office for advice. You can also obtain further information from the Privacy Commissioner’s website at www.privacy.gov.au.