Privacy Policy
MATES Privacy Policy
This privacy policy (this Policy) applies to each of MATES in Construction (Aust) Limited (ACN 166 347 539) and its members (MATES in Construction (Qld & NT) Ltd ACN 129 828 397; MATES in Construction NSW Ltd ACN 159 975 809; MATE S in Construction SA Ltd ACN 160 280 473; and MATES in Construction WA Limited ACN 157 745 170) (each referred to in this Policy as “MATES”, “we”, “our”, “us”).
MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. We serve the construction industry in Queensland and Northern Territory, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, the Energy industry in Queensland and New South Wales, the Manufacturing industry in New South Wales, and nationally to the Mining industry.
MATES Australia is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and ensuring the security of personal information we collect in the course of our work.
We handle all personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We collect, use and disclose personal information only when it is necessary to provide our services, support our workforce, meet legal obligations, and improve mental health outcomes in our industries.
Sensitive information, including health and wellbeing details, is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and care. We will not share personal information with third parties without consent unless legally required or in the case of serious risk to health or safety.
We are committed to transparency, secure information handling practices, and providing individuals access to their personal information upon request. Data breaches will be managed in line with the Notifiable Data Breach scheme.
Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Directors
- Ensure privacy compliance is monitored at a governance level.
- Review significant incidents or breaches if escalated.
- Support a culture of ethical data use and privacy awareness.
Management
- Ensure MATES has systems and practices in place to comply with privacy laws.
- Respond appropriately to significant privacy incidents or complaints.
- Provide oversight of data management practices across the organisation.
- Ensure workers under their supervision understand and apply this policy.
- Support the secure handling of personal information within their team.
- Report any data breaches or concerns without delay.
- Reinforce privacy expectations in day-to-day practice.
Workers
- Ensure workers under their supervision understand and apply this policy.
- Support the secure handling of personal information within their team.
- Report any data breaches or concerns without delay.
- Reinforce privacy expectations in day-to-day practice.
Breaches of the Policy
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or engagement.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if required by legislation or organisational changes.
The Privacy Officer may be contacted at privacyofficer@mates.org.au