As a general rule we do not collect private information for the operation of our business. On those occasions where we do need to collect private information we strive to protect your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the “Privacy Act” – especially as amended by the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 (Cth)). In particular we understand increased obligations now placed upon the collection and maintenance of your private information.
We will take all reasonable steps to protect the privacy of the personal information we collect, use or disclose. This Privacy Policy sets out how we meet these obligations.
Scope
This policy applies to all our clients, customers, suppliers and employees. This Policy does not apply to our acts and practices as they relate to the records of our employees.
What is personal information?
Personal information is any information that can be used to identify you. This includes any personal information or opinions about you, whether true or not, no matter how the information or opinions are recorded.
Sensitive information is a special category of personal information and includes, but is not limited to, information about your health, race or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, membership of a trade union or association, or criminal record. We do not collect sensitive information. However, in the event that sensitive information should come into our possession we do not disclose your sensitive information without your consent, unless there is a legal requirement to disclose such information in accordance with the Privacy Act or to comply with some other legislation.
Collection of personal information
We collect limited personal information and only where it is necessary for the lawful and ethical carriage of our business (and to recruit employees).
The kind of personal information we require to undertake our plumbing services for you are your name and address and in some cases your preferences as to access to your premises.
Under the Privacy Act you may use our services on an anonymous basis. If this is possible and lawful, we will take all reasonable steps to do this should you request it. However, in order to assist you with your plumbing needs we shall need to know your name and address and a time to attend your premises.
What personal information do we collect and use?
The nature and extent of personal information collected by the Company varies depending on your particular interaction with us.
Personal information that we commonly collect and use includes your name, current address, facsimile numbers, email address, telephone numbers, Australian Business Number, bank details, business references, details about your business (where applicable), and preferred means of contact. On rare occasions we may need to know your next of kin.
In the main we do not collect personal information in the form of dates of birth (other than for employees), tax file numbers, education details, financial details, driver’s license numbers, professional credentials, hobbies or interests.
We will not use your personal information in a manner contrary to the Privacy Act or this Policy, nor for any purpose which you would not reasonably expect us to use your personal information for.
Updating personal information or inaccuracy
We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information that we hold is accurate and up to date. If you feel that any information we hold about you is not accurate or up to date, or your details have or are about to change, please inform us and we will correct or update your personal information.
How do we collect personal information?
Where possible, we collect your personal information directly from you. If you feel that the information that we are requesting, either on our forms or in our discussions with you, is not information that you wish to provide, please feel free to raise this with us.
In some situations we may also obtain personal information about you from a third party source. If we collect information about you in this way, we will take reasonable steps to contact you and ensure that you are aware of the purposes for which we are collecting your personal information and the organisations to which we may disclose your information, subject to any exceptions under the Privacy Act.
When do we disclose your personal information?
We shall only use and disclose your personal information for the purpose for which it was collected. We may also use and disclose the information for related or ancillary purposes, such as for the development and marketing of our products and services. We guarantee that we will not sell your personal information to any third party.
For the purposes referred to in this Policy, we may disclose your personal information to external organisations including: referees for former employers, credit agencies; our professional advisors (including our accountants, auditors and lawyers); our related entities and companies; and our contractors and suppliers (where such is reasonably necessary in the circumstances).
Do we send information overseas?
We do not send personal information out of Australia. However, should you need us to send information to another country we shall do so only with your consent. If we are otherwise required to send information overseas we shall either first obtain your consent and/or take measures to protect your personal information. We shall protect your personal information either by ensuring that the country of destination has similar protections in relation to privacy or that we enter into contractual arrangements with the recipient of your personal information that safeguards your privacy.
Associated Companies
We may share personal information we collect and use with our “Related Bodies Corporate” as that term is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Access to and correction of your personal information
You have a right to access and copy your personal information, subject to certain exceptions provided for in the Privacy Act. If you are able to establish that personal information we hold about you is not accurate, complete or up to date we will take all reasonable steps to correct our records.
Security of your information
We will take all reasonable steps to secure your personal information. Access to information and databases is restricted to our staff who need access to the information in order to perform their duties.
Others who may have access to your personal information
Sometimes we may use external service providers to perform certain necessary functions and, in performing such functions, these service providers may have access to some of the personal information that we collect. In these situations the service providers are bound by obligations of confidentiality and may only access the information to the extent they require it for the proper and due performance of their obligations as service providers.
Complaints
If you have any complaints regarding our Privacy Policy please contact us.