Privacy Statement
The Privacy Statement explains in general terms how Bowen Buchbinder Vilensky collects, protects and stores personal and sensitive information in accordance with the National Privacy Principles Privacy Act 1988.
This Privacy Statement will also apply to any personal information that is provided by a third party.
What Information is collected
To ensure we provide the most effective service and advice we need to collect personal information from our clients, other parties relevant to or who are able to provide assistance to a matter, certain government agencies, courts and suppliers.
The collection of personal information may include sensitive information and health information. There may also be times when we are required to collect information about people who are involved in the matter other than the client instructing us. Personal information may be collected through legislation or by an order of a court or tribunal.
How the Information is collected
Information may be collected in various ways - over the telephone, in person at an interview with a solicitor, in writing and by electronic communication. There may be occasions when information is collected from a third party to ensure we are able to handle all issues in relation to the matter.
Clients are required to sign an undertaking that the personal information they have provided to us has been collected in accordance with the Privacy Act and that they will also protect the privacy of any personal information supplied to them by Bowen Buchbinder Vilensky.
Personal information may also be collected through the conducting of seminars, workshops and marketing initiatives and other professional development activities.
How We Use Your Personal Information
The personal information we collect is essential for us to properly assess the instructions we are given to enable us to provide the best possible legal advice and service. The information is also required to determine the type and level of legal advice best suited to manage the client’s matter. We cannot accept instructions from a client who does not or is unwilling to provide us with sufficient information to enable us to carry out their instructions properly or who wishes to remain anonymous.
The personal information we collect is used inter alia for the following purposes:
- To commence court proceedings
- In conjunction with court orders i.e. contact issues, property valuers, Federal Police, Accountants for valuation purposes
- Process Servers
- Child Support Agency
- Landgate, Office of State Revenue, ASIC.
Disclosure of Personal Information to Third Parties
From time to time we may be required by law or a court to disclose your personal information to a third party who may include but not be limited to barristers, process servers, doctors, assessors, accountants and investigators. If any of these people are situated in areas outside Australia, we will ensure that they are subject to the same privacy policies as those in Australia.
All media systems within the firm are password protected against unauthorised access. Staff, contractors and service providers are fully informed about our Privacy Policy and the importance we place upon it.
Consent
In accordance with the Privacy Policy there will be times when we will be required to seek your consent to use or disclose your personal information. In certain instances we will be required to disclose your personal information to third parties who are assisting in the handling of your matter. We will assume we have your consent to provide these parties with your personal information.
Access to Your Personal Information
You have a right of access to all the personal information that we hold, however there are a few exceptions. Access could be denied if it was considered to be unlawful or would prejudice negotiations.
If your information is not readily accessible there may be a cost to you in the retrieval of that information.
In some instances the information held on a client’s behalf may be incorrect. If you believe the information we hold about you is not correct, please inform us and we will endeavour to correct any errors to your satisfaction.
If you would like to know more about our privacy policy or have any concerns about the way in which we have responded to your requests or the collection of your information contact our office or the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner at privacy@privacy.gov.au.
|
