Purpose
This notice explains how Sonder collects, uses, and manages your personal information in accordance with Australian Privacy Principle 5 under the Privacy Act 1988.
How we collect personal information
We collect personal information directly from you when you interact with us by phone, email, in person, or via our website.
We may also collect information from others involved in your care, such as:
- Your GP or other treating health professionals
- Health services
- Carers, family members, or guardians
What do you collect?
We will collect:
- Name, date of birth, contact details and gender
- Referral information for accessing Sonder’s services
- Client case notes summarising the support provided
In some cases, we may need to collect sensitive information, which can include:
- Health details
- Racial or ethnic background
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Sexual orientation
Sensitive information is only collected when it’s reasonably necessary for our services.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym when interacting with us. However, this may not be possible when:
- We are legally required to identify you
- It’s impractical to provide services without knowing your identity
If you choose not to share your personal information, we may be unable to offer you the best possible support or, in some cases, any service at all.
How do you use my personal information?
We use your personal information to deliver and improve our services. This includes:
- Provide you with services and support tailored to your needs
- Manage recruitment and staffing processes
- Deliver customer service and respond to your enquiries
- Organise training sessions and events
- Conduct surveys to improve our programs
- Direct service delivery
We may also use your non-sensitive personal information for direct marketing (e.g., updates about new services). You can opt out anytime by contacting our Privacy Officer.
Who do you disclose my personal information to?
We may disclose your personal information to:
- External service providers that we contract to support our operations
- Funding bodies such as Commonwealth and State Government departments
- Health professionals and services involved in your care
- Government agencies or law enforcement, as required by law
- Courts or legal entities under subpoena or court order
We only share your information when necessary or legally required.
Will my information be disclosed to overseas organisations?
We generally do not share your personal information with overseas organisations. If we do, it will be:
- With your consent
- Required by Australian law or court order
- Permitted under an exemption in the Privacy Act
How can I access my information?
You can request access to or correction of your personal information by writing to our Privacy Officer. We’ll respond within a reasonable timeframe. A fee may apply for access.
In rare cases, we may refuse access. If so, we’ll explain why and outline how you can make a complaint.
Want to know more?
Our Privacy Policy provides further detail on:
- How and why we collect personal information
- How we use and share it
- How to access or correct it
- How to make a complaint
To learn more about how we manage personal information, contact Sonder’s Privacy Officer.
- Telephone number: 08 8209 0700
- Email address: privacyofficer@sonder.net.au
- Postal address: PO Box 421, Elizabeth SA 5112