Privacy and Confidentiality – Information for Clients

Our commitment to you

Kamira is committed to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal and health information confidential. We understand that you may be sharing sensitive information, and we take this responsibility seriously. This document explains how your information is collected, used, stored and shared while you are receiving support from our service.

 

What information we collect

We collect only the information needed to provide safe, appropriate and effective care. This may include:

  • Your name, date of birth and contact details
  • Relevant health, wellbeing and treatment information
  • Information related to pregnancy or children residing with you, where applicable
  • Information provided by referrers or other services involved in your care

 

How your information is used

Your information is used to:

  • Assess your needs and provide treatment and support
  • Support the safety and wellbeing of you and your children
  • Coordinate care within Kamira and, where appropriate, with other services involved in your support
  • Meet legal, funding and reporting requirements

 

National Minimum Data Set (NMDS) and outcomes information

As part of our funding requirements, Kamira collects some standard information that helps governments and funding bodies understand how alcohol and other drugs services are being used and how they are supporting clients.

This includes NMDS information and outcome measures, which are recorded in Kamira’s secure client management system and uploaded to a secure portal managed by the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA).

All information shared for this purpose is deidentified, meaning your name and personal identifying details are removed. This information is used for service planning, reporting and accountability, and cannot be used to identify you as an individual.

 

Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

Your information is kept confidential and is not shared without your consent unless sharing:

  • Is required or authorised by law
  • Is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to your life, health or safety, or the safety of another person
  • Is required to protect the safety and wellbeing of a child or unborn child

 

Mandatory reporting

Kamira staff are mandatory reporters under NSW law. As a women’s residential service, including women who may be pregnant or have children living with them, staff must make a report if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or unborn child may be at risk of significant harm.

Wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, we will talk with you about concerns and the reporting process.

 

How we keep your information safe

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse or unauthorised access, including:

  • Secure storage of paper and electronic records
  • Restricted access to authorised staff only
  • Use of passwords and other security measures

 

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Be informed about how your information is handled
  • Access your personal and health information, with some legal exceptions
  • Request correction of information if it is inaccurate or incomplete
  • Raise concerns or make a complaint about privacy or confidentiality

 

Questions, concerns or complaints

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy or confidentiality, please speak with your Case Manager or the Clinical Director.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may also contact:

  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
  • NSW Privacy Commissioner

 

Relevant legislation

Kamira operates in accordance with:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
  • Australian Privacy Principles
  • Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)
  • Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)

Privacy and Confidentiality Information for Clients - December 2025