Privacy Statement
The Shire of Boddington (Shire) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information with integrity and care. Personal information is collected, used, and stored in accordance with legal obligations and ethical standards, as outlined in the Council Policy – Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing.
Responsible Information Sharing
The Shire complies with the following legislation:
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA)
- State Records Act 2000 (WA)
- Local Government Act 1995 (WA)
- Children and Community Services Act 2004 (WA)
This statement explains how personal information is collected, used, and protected, and how individuals can access or correct it.
What is Collected and Why
Personal information is collected to provide services, communicate with the community, meet regulatory obligations, and manage operational requirements.
Information may be provided when contacting the Shire, completing forms or applications, accessing services, submitting feedback, participating social media platforms, and the Shire’s website.
Examples of personal information include name, contact details, address, identification numbers (such as licence or concession cards), property details, and correspondence. In certain cases, sensitive information – such as health or legal details – may also be collected, where necessary and with appropriate safeguards.
Only information that is reasonably necessary for official functions is collect. Individuals will be informed when providing information is optional.
How Personal Information Is Used
Collected information is used to deliver services, process requests, meet statutory responsibilities, and communicate with the community. It may also support service improvement, future planning, or compliance with local laws.
Information is only used for the purpose for which it was collected, or for a directly related and lawful purpose that a person would reasonably expect. For example, if an application is submitted, the details provided may be used to assess eligibility, follow up, or issue notifications.
Personal information is not sold or used for unrelated marketing. In limited instances, disclosure may occur to government agencies, contractors, or service providers—only where permitted or required by law.
Online Services and Website Analytics
When the Shire’s website or digital platforms are accessed, non-identifying data such as IP addresses, browser types, and page visits may be collected. This helps maintain system security and improve the user experience.
Cookies and third-party tools, including Google Analytics, may be used to gather this data. Cookies can be disabled through browser settings, although doing so may affect website functionality.
The Shire also offers features where individuals may choose to voluntarily provide personal information such as subscribing to newsletters, completing surveys, or registering for updates. In some cases, these services may be delivered through third-party providers (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Personal information collected through these tools is only used for the purpose stated at the time of collection (e.g. community consultation, demographic analysis) and is not used to identify individuals unless clearly stated and consented to.
Occasionally, the Shire may promote surveys or initiatives conducted by external agencies (such as state government bodies). In such cases, the Shire does not collect or manage the data, nor control how it is used. Summarised or publicly available results may be shared with the Shire for informational purposes only.
External links may appear on the Shire’s website. These are not managed by the Shire and may have separate privacy practices. Users are encouraged to review those policies before engaging with external sites.
Social Media
Social media platforms are used to share information and engage with the community. When individuals interact with these platforms, personal information may be collected and stored under the platform’s own terms. Limited information may also be collected by the Shire to support communication and service improvement. However, it is recommended that sensitive information is not shared via public channels.
Storage and Security
Reasonable steps are taken to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure. Records are stored securely, with access restricted to authorised personnel.
When information is no longer required and there is no legal obligation to retain it, it will be securely destroyed or de-identified. Where external or cloud storage providers are used, privacy protections are ensured, including for data stored overseas.
Access and Correction
Individuals have the right to request access to personal information held about them, and to request corrections if the information is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete. Requests must be made in writing and may require proof of identity.
Certain access requests may fall under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA). The Freedom of Information Officer can assist with this process.
Complaints and Breaches
Concerns about privacy breaches or the handling of personal information can be directed to the Shire. All complaints are taken seriously and investigated in line with relevant legislation and policy.
In the event of a serious data breach, affected individuals will be notified promptly, and steps will be taken to minimise any further risk. If the outcome of a complaint is unsatisfactory, individuals may contact the Information Commissioner of Western Australia.
Contact Us
To request access, make a correction, raise a concern, or learn more about how your information is managed, please contact the Shire:
39 Bannister Road, Boddington WA 6390
PO Box 4, Boddington WA 6390
shire@boddington.wa.gov.au
(08) 9883 4999
Further detail is available in the Council Policy – Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing.
Website Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and currency of information on the Shire’s website and digital platforms, the Shire of Boddington makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the content. Users access and use information at their own risk.
The Shire is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website or reliance on its content. Although reasonable steps are taken to ensure documents are free from viruses or malware, no guarantee is provided that downloads are secure or free from harmful code. Users are advised to take appropriate precautions when downloading or opening files.