Privacy
Elringtons is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (the Act), and National Privacy Principles (NPP’s) contained in the Act. NPP’s requires us to manage “personal” and “sensitive” information about our clients, persons who have business with the firm and employees
The Act defines “Personal information” as information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database), whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.”
“Sensitive Information” is defined as information or an opinion that is personal information, and is about an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs, membership of a professional or trade association, membership of a trade union, sexual preferences, or criminal record and any health information about an individual.
Collecting Information
We collect information from you or other persons hat is necessary for us to carry out our functions or activities including information such as your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, Medicare, tax file or pension numbers. This may include sensitive information such as allegations that you have made against another person, or in allegations that a person has made against you.
Using information
We may need to use or disclose your personal information for the primary purpose for which it is collected or for reasonably expected secondary purposes which are related to the primary purpose and in other circumstances authorised by the Privacy Act.
In general, we use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:
- to conduct our business;
- to provide and market our services;
- to communicate with you;
- to purchase from you;
- to comply with our legal obligations; and
- to help us manage and enhance our services.
Disclosure of information
We only disclose information where we need to in order to advance your interests, or when we are required by law to disclose it .We may disclose your personal information to:
- other members of the Elringtons offices;
- other companies or individuals who assist us in providing services or who perform functions on our behalf (such as mailing houses, medical practitioners, specialist consultants and barristers);
- courts, tribunals and regulatory authorities; and
- anyone else to whom you authorise us to disclose it.
Your access to information
Subject to exceptions set out in the Privacy Act, you may gain access to or request amendment of personal information which Elringtons holds about you by contacting us.
We will require you to verify your identity and to specify what information you require or wish to amend. A fee may be charged for providing access. We will advise you of the likely cost in advance.
Managing Information
The NPPs require us to take reasonable steps to protect the security of personal information. Elringtons staff are required to respect the confidentiality of personal information and the privacy of individuals.
Elringtons takes reasonable steps to protect personal information held from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure, by use of physical security and restricted access to electronic records.
Where we no longer require your personal information for a permitted purpose under the NPPs, we will take reasonable steps to destroy it.
If you have any queries in relation our Privacy Policy, please contact the solicitor handling your matter, or the Chief Executive Officer – ph. 02 6206 1300.
