General information
This Privacy Statement details how we collect, use and store your information, and the processes we use to protect your privacy.
The Net Zero Commission (the commission) must comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act), which regulates the collection, storage, use and disclosure of personal information.
Information that identifies you may be gathered when you use the commission’s digital channels such as the website, or when you contact us or use our services through other means such as phone, email or in person.
Providing information to us is voluntary, however if you don’t provide your information, we may not be able to provide our services to you.
This website is maintained by the Net Zero Commission. The commission is a NSW Government agency established under the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. Any queries or complaints regarding privacy are handled on behalf of the commission by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. You can contact their Information Access & Privacy unit at [email protected].
Information we collect from you
The main way we collect your personal information is when you provide it to us.
The personal information we collect may include your contact information, your name, the company you work for, your title, position, your postal address, email address and phone number. If you need to make a payment, we will also collect your payment information, for example your credit card number.
Information collected from websites and other digital services
When you use the commission’s digital services like websites and mobile apps, we may collect the following information:
- your IP (internet protocol) address or host name eg. 123.123.123.12 or xxx.yyy.com.au
- your top-level domain name
- the address of your server
- the date and time of your visit to the site
- the pages accessed and documents downloaded
- the previous site visited
- the type of browser and operating system you used.
Information collected when you subscribe to updates
We offer subscription and update services. These services are offered on an ‘opt in’ basis. You can opt out at any time by selecting the ‘Unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of the email or contacting us and we will promptly process your request.
When you subscribe to services such as email newsletters, we will use your personal information to provide the content to you. We may also use your personal information to tell you about associated services, public information campaigns or web content we think you might be interested in, but only if you have indicated that you are happy to receive this information.
Information we collect when you contact us
When you contact us, we may collect the following information from you:
- full name
- phone number
- email address
- postal address.
Providing this information is voluntary, however we may be unable to process your transaction or help you with your enquiry if you do not provide the information.
How we use the information we collect
The information we collect will only be used for the purpose for which you have provided it, or if it is directly related to the purpose for which the information was collected. We may use your personal information to:
(a) help us deliver our services, including but not limited to:
- providing you with services you have requested
- contacting you if we have difficulties with your transaction
- contacting you about events for which you have registered
- responding to requests or enquiries made by you.
(b) compile user profiles to enable us to improve services
(c) conduct direct marketing by sending you news and updates (if you have not opted out from receiving this material) including, without limitation, the following:
- sending you marketing material (for example requests for feedback and material promoting third party products or services)
- conducting research or surveys.
(d) undertake observations and analysis of audience choices, preferences, behaviour and characteristics both individually and in aggregate
(e) for system administration, protection and maintenance including identifying and controlling system abuse and preventing cyber attacks
(f) for program evaluation, feedback, analytics or to inform decisions on other projects.
How we store and protect your information
We will retain the information you have provided for a period that is appropriate for the purpose for which it was provided. Your information will be archived and disposed of in accordance with our policies, legislative requirements and guidelines based on the NSW State Records Act 1998.
We take reasonable steps to protect information during transfer and storage. Physical measures, such as building and equipment security, are used in conjunction with digital technology, such as data encryption and firewalls, to help prevent unauthorised access to information.
We use third-party systems to collect and store your personal information for email lists, registrations and feedback. For example, we use:
- Campaign Monitor (to send emails)
- Microsoft Azure (to collect information from forms)
- Qualtrics (for surveys).
Some information is stored on servers located outside Australia. The 2015 NSW Government Cloud Policy states that it is essential that any engagement with a cloud service provider guarantees the security of data and provides for notification of breaches. Legislation requires agencies to maintain control over the accessibility of their data, and cloud service providers should be able to demonstrate compliance with PPIPA, HRIPA, GIPAA, the State Records Act 1998, and any other applicable laws (e.g. the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)).
Sharing your personal information
We will not disclose your personal information, unless with your consent or in other circumstances where such use or disclosure is permitted under the PPIP Act.
Exceptions
There are instances where we are obligated to disclose your personal information. These include:
- law enforcement and related matters
- investigative agencies
- where lawfully authorised or required
- when it would benefit the individual concerned
- Minister being informed of certain matters
- in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
Your rights over your personal information
You have rights in relation to the personal data that we hold about you.
Retention
We will retain the information you have provided for a period that is appropriate for the purpose for which it was provided. Thereafter your information will be archived and disposed of in accordance with our policies, legislative requirements and guidelines based on the State Records Act 1998 (NSW).
Right to object
In certain circumstances, you have a right to object to processing being carried out by us. Where personal data is being processed for direct marketing purposes, you have a right to opt out at any time.
Opting out
If you wish to opt out, you can do so by contacting the commission at [email protected] or, if you have received a marketing email from us, by selecting the ‘Unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of the email.
Right to access and correct your information
Under the PPIP Act you have access and correction rights to the personal information we hold about you.
We are committed to ensuring that the information we hold is accurate, complete and up to date, so we encourage you to advise us if the information you have given us has changed. If you believe our information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will correct the information.
To access your personal information, please contact the DCCEEW’s Information Access and Privacy unit.
Contact the Information Access and Privacy unit
If you have any questions about the application of our privacy policy, please contact:
Information Access & Privacy Unit
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124
[email protected]
Read more on DCCEEW's information access, governance and feedback