Protecting your privacy

What kinds of personal information do we collect?

We collect the personal information you provide with the travel document application. It includes the answers to the questions on the application form and the accompanying documents and photos.

In accordance with the Australian Passports Act, we may also collect personal information from other agencies where those agencies believe there are reasons related to law enforcement or security for refusing or cancelling a travel document.

Keeping your personal information safe

We store the personal information you provide in secure Departmental computer systems and storage cabinets which can only be accessed by authorised officers. We take all reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference and loss; and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

The Privacy Act and the Australian Passports Act regulate how we use and disclose your personal information. An officer of the Department who breaches provisions in these Acts may face a criminal or civil penalty, or both.

Applications

The information you provide when applying for a travel document may only be used or disclosed in accordance with the law. Purposes for which your personal information is used or disclosed include, but are not limited to, establishing your eligibility for a travel document by confirming your identity and citizenship details.

Your information may be disclosed to other entities or individuals only as allowed under the Australian Passports Act and the Privacy Act.

Disclosure to assess eligibility

Authorised officers may disclose your information to entities or individuals able to assist us with verification of the information you provide in your application. These include:

• the Australian Electoral Commission
• the Department of Home Affairs
• state and territory Registrars of Births, Deaths and Marriages
• state and territory road traffic authorities
• any other entities or individuals who issued or signed a document that was presented with a travel document application or who is mentioned in that application.

Disclosure for purposes set out in the Australian Passports Act

The Australian Passports Act permits us to disclose your personal information to other agencies for the following purposes:

• to advise about the status of a passport
• law enforcement
• to facilitate or otherwise assist with international travel by Australian passport holders
• to confirm or verify information about Australian passport holders and applicants
• the operation of family law and related matters.

Agencies to which we may disclose your personal information for these purposes include, but are not limited to:

• the Department of Home Affairs
• the Attorney-General’s Department
• State and territory police
• Australian Federal Police
• Interpol and its member countries
• courts of the Commonwealth of Australia and of each state and territory
• specified member countries of the APEC Regional Movement Alert System.

Disclosure to foreign border authorities

In accordance with the Privacy Act we may also disclose personal information to foreign border authorities in the following circumstances:

• If we have reason to suspect that unlawful activity, or misconduct of a serious nature, that relates to passport issuing functions or activities has been, is being or may be engaged in; and we reasonably believe that the collection, use or disclosure is necessary in order for the Department to take appropriate action in relation to the matter;
• If we believe that the disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary for one or more enforcement related activities conducted by, or on behalf of, an enforcement body; and the recipient is a body that performs functions, or exercises powers, that are similar to those performed or exercised by an enforcement body.

Disclosure authorised by legislation administered by another agency

We may disclose your personal information when requested by another agency and where the disclosure is authorised by legislation administered by that agency. The Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Electoral Commission are agencies which have the power to request the disclosure of passport information.

Data verification

Australian travel document holders who provide their documents to public or private sector organisations as proof of identity may be asked to consent to have the data verified by the department via the Document Verification Service (DVS), which is managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Provided the organisation is an approved DVS user, the Department will verify the data and confirm the validity of the document.

Consequences if your personal information is not collected

Verification of your identity and citizenship details is necessary for a travel document to be issued. If we cannot confirm these details we will be unable to issue you with a travel document.

Privacy on the internet

We do not collect personal information about you when you visit websites on the Department’s servers, unless you choose to provide that information. However, our websites contain links to other sites. The Department is not responsible for the content and privacy practices of other sites, and we encourage you to read the privacy policy of each site.

Amending your personal information

You will need to apply for a new passport if you need to amend any details in it.

Who to contact

If at any time you believe we have not adhered to our privacy obligations or if you have any other questions on the material set out in this brochure, contact:

Communications Unit
Australian Passport Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
John McEwen Crescent
BARTON ACT 0221

You can obtain further information about your rights under the Privacy Act from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website, www.oaic.gov.au

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Brochure - Protecting your privacy (PDF 552.35 KB)

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