Website privacy policy
Learn how ODC collects, uses, stores and protects your personal information when you use our website and online services. Find information about cookies, website analytics, email subscriptions and your privacy rights.
Your privacy at a glance
- We collect personal information only when it is necessary to provide our services and carry out our functions.
- We use cookies and website analytics to improve website performance and user experience.
- We collect your email address when you contact us or subscribe to updates.
- Personal information collected through the Health Business Services portal is used to provide and manage ODC services.
- You can contact us if you have questions or concerns about privacy.
Privacy and personal information
The Office of Drug Control is part of the Department of Health and Aged Care. We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
For information about how the Department collects, stores, uses and discloses personal information, refer to the Department's APP Privacy Policy.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regulates privacy laws in Australia and provides guidance about privacy rights and obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Health Business Services portal
We may collect, store, use and disclose your personal information through the Health Business Services portal to provide ODC business services and fulfil our regulatory functions.
When you register for an account, we collect information such as your name and contact details to establish and manage your account.
When you submit licence, permit or application forms through the portal, we collect information reasonably necessary to process your application, manage compliance obligations and administer related business transactions under relevant legislation.
We generally collect personal information directly from you and will only collect information from a third party where you have consented or where authorised by law. We do not disclose personal information collected through the portal to overseas recipients.
Email communications
If you contact us by email or subscribe to notifications, we will collect your email address so we can respond to your enquiry or provide the information you requested.
We will not use or disclose your email address for other purposes without your consent, unless authorised or required by law.
Cookies
We use cookies to help our website function effectively and improve your browsing experience.
Cookies may be used to:
- Maintain your website session.
- Improve website functionality and performance.
- Help us understand how visitors use our website.
Types of cookies we use
Session cookies
Temporary cookies that exist only while you are actively using the website and are deleted when your session ends.
Persistent cookies
Cookies that remain on your device for a defined period before they expire.
We do not store personally identifiable information in website cookies. We do not attempt to identify individual users from cookie information unless required by law.
Website analytics
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information, including:
- Server address and domain name.
- Date and time of your visit.
- Pages viewed and files downloaded.
- Referring website information.
- Browser type and related technical details.
We use this information to:
- Monitor website performance.
- Identify technical issues and broken links.
- Improve user experience.
- Support website administration and reporting.
We do not attempt to identify individual users or their browsing activities unless authorised or required by law.
Email subscriptions
We use MailChimp to manage email subscriptions and communications.
If you subscribe to receive ODC updates:
- Your email address and related subscription information may be collected and stored by MailChimp.
- Information may be stored on servers located outside Australia, including in the United States.
- Your information will be handled in accordance with MailChimp's privacy practices and terms of use.
You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link included in our emails or by contacting ODC.
Links to other websites
This website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content, security or privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any website you visit.
Security
ODC applies a range of security measures to protect its website and the information it holds.
However, the internet is a public network and no method of transmitting information online can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users should take appropriate precautions, including maintaining up-to-date security software and exercising caution when sharing information online.
Privacy enquiries
If you have questions about privacy or how your information is handled, contact us:
Email: enquiries@health.gov.au
Post:
Department of Health and Aged Care
MDP 62
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601