In performing its role as manager of the National Electricity Market (NEM), the National Electricity Market Management Company Limited (NEMMCO) is, at times, required to collect and hold information about NEM participants, government departments, industry associations, customers, contractors, suppliers and employees.
Under the Private Sector Amendment Act (Privacy Act), the provisions of which come into force on 21 December 2001, NEMMCO is subject to the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) that form part of the legislation.
The NPPs apply equally to conventional, electronic and digital environments and aim to ensure organisations that hold information about people handle that information responsibly. They also give people some control over the way the information about them is handled.
The NPPs reflect ideas that have been developed internationally, and in particular, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Guidelines Governing the Protection of Privacy and Transborder Flows of Personal Data (1980) . More information about the Privacy Act and your rights under it can be found at The Australian Privacy Commissioner's web site at http//:www.privacy.gov.au.
NEMMCO collects personal information about individuals acting in a business capacity for use in the normal operation of its core activities including operating the power system and the wholesale spot market, by means of those individuals voluntarily providing it. Specifically, NEMMCO collects data on NEM participants and industry organisations. Typically, this includes contact details including name, company name and address details for example, (as provided on an application for registration or on a query).
NEMMCO, like other organisations, has an exemption under the Act relating to its acts and practices in establishing and maintaining the employee records of current and former employees.
At times, NEMMCO holds personal information about potential employees who voluntarily provide a résumé in order to be considered for employment opportunities during the hiring process. This information is not used for any other purpose.
NEMMCO stresses that it does not disclose the personal information it collects to any individual or organisation for purposes other than those for which it was collected. In the case of employee information, NEMMCO discloses personal information to organisations that provide superannuation and pay roll services under contractual arrangements.
NEMMCO's website does not make use of web-browser cookies and does not collect user profiles.
NEMMCO takes reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse, loss, unauthorised access or modification. NEMMCO also takes reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information if it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was collected.
If you require further information about the way NEMMCO manages the personal information it holds or have a request to access your personal information, please contact us by:
Telephone our Information Centre on: 1300 361 011
Email: InfoCentre@nemmco.com.au
If you have a complaint about a breach of privacy by NEMMCO you can contact the Company Secretary on (03) 9648 8746.
For information about the Privacy Act and the 2001 amendment, contact The Australian Privacy Commissioner's web site at: http://www.privacy.gov.au.