Right To Personal Information
You have the right to request personal information that we hold about you, as per the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. There are some exceptions or circumstances when we have to limit or refuse a request. If you have received a service from us, you can request both hard copy or electronic copies of documents from your file. The first step is to contact the VALS staff member who has assisted you.
How to Request Access
To request access to your personal information:
- Via the VALS staff member who has supported you
- Contact us in writing via:
- Email: vals@vals.org.au
- Post: PO Box 52, Preston, 3072
- In person: you can visit VALS at one of our locations
- Provide identification to verify your identity. We may request a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other photo ID.
- Specify what information you are seeking access to. Being as specific as possible helps us locate your information quickly.
There are no formal requirements for how you make your request, but providing clear details helps us respond promptly and accurately.
We will respond to your request as soon as practicable, and generally within 30 days of receiving a valid request. If we need additional time to consult with third parties or locate complex records, we will contact you to discuss an extension. We understand that reading your file may be confronting and emotional; if you would like support when reading your file, we will endeavor to provide a support person.