The following table provides general guidance as to how HH Academy can respond to common information requests:
Information Requested by
|
|
Authorised Officers - Public Transport |
The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 (Vic) permits the disclosure of information to an “authorised officer” for the purpose of enforcing transport infringements. Schools should comply with these requests. |
Centrelink |
Centrelink Officers have broad powers under the Social Security Administration Act 1999 (Cth) to obtain information to determine whether a person qualifies for income support benefits. This may include information or documentation relating to a child’s enrolment and attendance at school. |
Courts or Tribunals |
If a Subpoena, Witness Summons or Court Order requires the production of documents or that staff attend court to give evidence or act as a witness, staff should comply. If a Location Order or Recovery Order issued by the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates’ Court is received by a school, staff should contact Legal Services Unit of DET immediately.
|
Department of Health (Victoria) |
The Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2009 (Vic) require schools to provide information to the Department of Health in relation to children suffering from infectious diseases.
|
Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protection |
An employee of HH Academy may disclose any information to DHS that is relevant to the protection or development of a child who has been the subject of a protective intervention report. |
Employers |
Schools are often asked to provide references to employers and should comply if the student provides consent. The Principal:
|
Explosives inspectors |
Schools may provide information of student whereabouts under the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Act 1958. |
Lawyers |
Where a request is made:
|
Officers of the Family Court (Independent Children’s Lawyer or Family Consultant) |
These Officers are appointed by the Family Court to assist in family law proceedings. Schools should generally assist such officers and comply with the request for information if:
|
Parents |
Request for details of school where a child is enrolled Subject to any Family Court Order, parents have equal ‘parental responsibility’ in respect of the child, including an entitlement to know where their child is enrolled. Parents who have parental responsibility for “long-term care, welfare and responsibility” have the same entitlement. If the school is satisfied that:
Requests for school reports and ordinary school communications Parents, guardians and informal carers are generally entitled to information ordinarily provided to parents unless there is a Court Order restricting their right to access this information. Requests for other documents Requests from parents for other documents (for example, incident reports, staff diary notes, minutes of meetings etc) should be referred to the FOI & Privacy Unit, who will determine whether the person is entitled to the information. |
Private agents/investigators |
Schools should not provide private agents with any information except with the written consent of the parent/guardian. |
Schools |
In the context of student transfers between schools, HH Academy will:
|
Students/Former Students |
If a student or former student requests information and documentation, it may be released if:
For other documents, the student should be invited to make a formal FOI request. |
Victoria Police |
Victoria Police have broad powers to investigate and obtain evidence. Where personal information is requested by police it may be disclosed when:
|
Accountability
All HHA Staff
Legislative context
Supporting Material
Document number |
Document title |
Version 1 |
June 2016 |
Version 2 |
June 2018 - Reviewed and updated |
Version 3 |
March 2020 – Reviewed and updated |
Version 4 |
March 2022 |
Next review date |
March 2024 |
Development and Review
Document number |
Document title |
Owner: |
Principal, HHA |
Author: |
Principal, HHA |
Approval Date: |
March 2022 |
Review Date: |
March 2024 |