About this privacy statement

This website privacy statement sets out how we collect, use and disclose information collected through bio.wa.gov.au. Further information about how BIO collects your personal information is available for download here: https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/about-us/legislation/corporate-policies 

This privacy statement does not apply to external websites that are linked on the BIO website. The Western Australian Government is not responsible for, and does not endorse or otherwise approve, the content, privacy policies or practices of non-government third party websites that are linked on the BIO website. If you follow a link to another website from BIO website, we recommend that you read the privacy statement or policy of that other website to understand what it does with your information. 

Information that we collect 

Personal information 

We may collect personal information (e.g. name, contact details) that you choose to give us or which we may require, to provide you with a particular service. 

You may request to delete this information from our store at any time. Please get in touch with us using the contact us button. 

Website visit data 

When you view pages on BIO website, some technical information is collected about your visit. For example: 

• your server address 
• your top level domain name (e.g. .com, .au, .gov) 
• the date and the time of your visit 
• the pages you accessed  
• the documents you downloaded 
• the address of the last website you visited 
• the type of browser and operating system you are using, and 
• what devices and operating systems you used to access our site. 

Only some of this information may be considered to be personal information. 

How we collect this information 

Requests to provide information 

We collect most personal information directly from you. You will generally know if we are collecting your personal information because we will ask you for it. For example, if you submit an online form to contact us or subscribe to receive newsletters, we will ask you to provide your name and contact details.  

 
Your personal information may also be collected if you make contact using phone numbers or email addresses available on this website.  

Providing us with your personal information is voluntary. If you choose not to provide us with the requested information, we may not be able to respond to you or provide you with the service you are seeking.  

Automatic collection through the website – use of cookies 

When you visit BIO website, some statistical information is collected about how you interact with the website. For example 

• when you visited 
• what you do on the site, and 
• whether you complete any transactions on the website.  

We use 'cookies' to collect this type of information. A cookie is a small block of data that is shared between a web server and your computer's browser. 

If you do not want cookies to be placed on your computer, you can disable them using your web browser. If you opt out of using cookies, some of the features on this website may not function fully and your ability to browse, read and download information may be impaired. Please contact us to access our services by other methods. 

Automatic collection by third parties 

We use online tools to gather information about visitors to our website and to help us improve our website and deliver government services. We use software provided by third party vendors, including the following: 

• Google Analytics – a web analytics service that we use to collect data about how you use our site and services. 
• Hotjar – is used to better understand how you interact with our website. For example: 
• How long you are on pages 
• Which links are used 
• Which pages you’re on 
• Mailchimp – is a cloud-based marketing platform that we use to manage our newsletter user subscriptions and distribution. 

In these circumstances, we only collect anonymous information. No identifiable personal data is collected. 

To find out more about how these third parties handle your personal information, please review their privacy policies. 

Use and disclosure 

Personal information 

The personal information you provide us through BIO website will be used for the primary purpose for which it was collected. For example: 

• to allow us to respond to your questions or feedback; 
• where you have subscribed  to an email newsletter to receive regular updates; or 
• to process a transaction you requested. 

Use of web analytics data 

We use the information collected about how you use BIO website and how the website performs during your visit for statistical and system administration purposes. We do this to: 

• monitor and understand usage trends to make sure BIO website is meeting the needs of its users; 
• understand and enhance your experience of BIO website (for example, to improve content or make performance improvements); 
• monitor and protect BIO website from cyber security threats. 

We do not use this information to identify you or match it with any other personal information we collect from you. 

Other use and disclosure 

We may also use or disclose your personal information: 

• for a purpose related to that for which it was collected if you have consented to that use or disclosure, or if you would reasonably expect the personal information would be used for that related purpose;if we are required by law to do so (e.g. by a court or tribunal order, or a law of the Commonwealth). 

Your personal information will at all times be dealt with in accordance with the applicable legislation in Western Australia and consistent with any legal obligation (including the State Records Act 2000). 

Social media 

We use social media platforms including LinkedIn and YouTube to communicate with the public about our work. We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide when you interact with us via these platforms, for the purpose of engaging and consulting with the public. Any personal information we collect via social media will be handled in accordance with https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/about-us/legislation/corporate-policies.  

Social media platforms are operated by third parties and may also collect your personal information for their own purposes. By using these platforms and agreeing to their terms of service and privacy policies, you consent to the collection and handling of your information by those providers, including the transfer of your information outside Western Australia and Australia. 
To protect your privacy and the privacy of others, please do not post personal information about yourself or others (including phone numbers or email addresses) in comments, posts or replies. 

Access and correction 

If you have any questions about how your personal information will be handled, or if you would like to access or correct your personal information, please email mailto:privacy@dbca.wa.gov.au  

Contact us 

The BIO website is administered by the BIO team. If you have any questions relating to privacy please contact us using the contact us button.