Information for Community & Clients

Mungabareena provides support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and their families, including non-Indigenous people with Indigenous children and people who are carers for Indigenous children.

Based on established program and service eligibility criteria and guidelines Mungabareena may restrict access to services where people are:

• not in a partnership with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member
• or currently caring for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children

Mungabareena services and programs are accessible to all those who seek and need them and who meet the eligibility criteria, and are provided in a manner that is equitable, appropriate, and sensitive.

Clients can access Mungabareena services by either the following methods:

• be referred by their doctor, other health professionals or other relevant organisations in the community
• internal referrals from other programs at Mungabareena
• clients can also self-refer.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements for each program offered at Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation please call the office and speak with one our staff members.

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation ensures its legal and ethical responsibilities are upheld in terms of the confidentiality and privacy of employees, clients, and any organisational information that is deemed to be private. The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 (Cth) provides a set of standards that are called the National Privacy Principles to which Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation is required to adhere to.

Confidentiality and Privacy Principles

Mungabareena is bound by the Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) a State legislation that applies to State funded programs. The Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 and related Privacy Regulation 2013 (Cwth) covers Federally funded programs. Where there is a conflict the Commonwealth legislation applies.

Mungabareena collects information that is deemed to be private and confidential from individuals and organisations when they:

• Apply for employment with the organisation;
• Engage with Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation services and programs
• Commence and continue employment with the organisation
• Are appointed to the Board of Directors or are applying for organisational membership of the organisation 

Mungabareena ensures personal information is stored safely and securely and is protected from misuse, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Privacy and Confidentiality in Client Work

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation regards confidentiality and privacy as a high priority. Clients and the community deserve the right to speak openly and honestly and know that their private information will be respected, recorded and stored appropriately and securely.

All clients of Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation are provided with a copy of the confidentiality agreement and are made aware of clients’ rights and responsibilities and the organisation’s Privacy Policy and Consent to share information.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (1982) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) clients have the right to gain access to their personal information held at Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and upon request to management can be provided.

Please note that under relevant privacy legislation, disclosures of personal information may be permitted, as set out in that legislation. Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation will ask for your consent in writing or verbally if we need to share your information with another service provider should we need to refer you to another agency or service.

If you have a complaint about privacy or confidentiality at Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, please let us know by emailing feedback@mungabareena.org.au or calling our office and speaking with one of our managers. Alternatively, if you feel your issue is not resolved you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on 1300 363 992.

Individuals who wish to obtain more information regarding privacy can visit the following Government websites:

• www.privacy.vic.gov.au (Victorian website)
• www.oaic.gov.au (Federal website)

As a client of Mungabareena you have the right to:

• Be respected as an individual with human worth and dignity.
• Access services without discrimination.
• Access services that are respectful of your personal circumstances such as your culture, family situation, age, gender, disability, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.
• Access services that are delivered free from abuse and neglect.
• Refuse service without fear of jeopardizing future support.
• Receive services that are professionally appropriate.
• Be informed of the outcome of assessments, and proposed plans of support.
• Participate in the formation of and changes to case plans.
• Be advised of potential alternatives for your support.
• Expect that all personal information is treated confidentially.
• Complain about the service without fear of retribution.
• Access an advocate if you wish.
• Receive services that are Culturally safe and respectful of kin, community, cultural practices and identity.

As a client of Mungabareena you have a responsibility to:

• Work with us to the best of your ability by providing accurate and timely information about issues that may affect your support from us.
• Ensure that you respect the rights of the staff to work in a healthy and safe workplace.
• Refrain from using substances including smoking whilst accessing Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation Services and if staff members are present in your home.
• Keep appointments or let us know when you are unable to attend.
• Contribute and participate to the best of your ability in your care planning.
• Ask questions if you do not fully understand your plan, information provided to you or procedures.
• Tell staff if you have any concerns regarding your care so they can respond.

Staff members have the right to refuse service to anyone if they believe their safety is at risk.