Online Services privacy policy (Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is required to collect, manage, use and disclose personal information in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures in the course of our day-to-day activities. DESI understands that, as visitors to and users of our Online Services, you are concerned about your privacy, and the confidentiality and security of information you provide. DESI is committed to protecting the privacy, accuracy and security of your personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.

Why your personal information is being collected through our Online Services

DESI collects your personal information for the processing and assessment of applications made through our Online Services or to determine your suitability as a registered suitable operator, and to undertake our regulatory function.

The personal information that is collected may also be used within the system to distinguish between entities and support delivery or other DESI services or initiatives.

Laws that allow or require the collection of personal information

The collection of personal information is authorised under the following legislation:

For information on our legislative authority to collect information for specific applications, contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 130 372 (option 4).

Entities to which DESI may disclose your personal information

Your personal information may be disclosed to:

  • the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning or the Department of Resources for the purpose of:
    • processing and assessing applications, the joint regulation of mining activities or the administration of the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014
    • processing and assessing applications for the administration of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions Act) 2014 and the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018.
  • Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) for the purpose of processing and assessing applications
  • DAF, Queensland Health, or the Australian Defence Force in order to investigate biosecurity or health issues, or allegations of unlawful activity, if required
  • the Rehabilitation Commissioner in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994 if accessing the information is necessary or convenient to be done in the performance of the Commissioner's functions
  • in relation to indigenous management agreements the completed application form and relevant supporting documentation may be disclosed to the relevant indigenous organisation (including any relevant Native Title Body Corporates) for the purpose of the department consulting with or seeking the consent of the organisation
  • other government agencies, councils and other relevant entities where applicable and necessary to appropriately assess your application. For example, under section 69T of the Forestry Act 1959, the department is required to consult with a plantation licensee and any plantation sub-licensee before granting a lease, license, permit, agreement, authority or contract
  • non-government organisations such as the RSPCA Queensland and the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council for the purpose of improving standards of native animal care
  • an administering authority of another state or territory under a corresponding law, or the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for the purpose of obtaining a suitability report. If the Commissioner of the QPS is asked for a report, the Commissioner may disclose your information to officials administering police services in other Australian jurisdictions for information relevant to the suitability report.

The name, address and organisation number of approved suitable operators will be disclosed on the register of suitable operators which is publicly available on the DESI website.

Your personal information will not be disclosed to any other person or agency unless you have given us permission or we are authorised or required by law (including the Right to Information Act 2009 and Evidence Act 1977). The information collected will be retained as required by the Public Records Act 2002.

More information