What is Privacy?
Privacy is the ability of individuals to exercise a substantial degree of control over the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information. Amendments to the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 (the Act), which apply to various bodies such as Commonwealth Agencies, Credit Reporting Agencies, Credit Providers, and Tax File Number recipients, reinforce this ability and extend the rights of individuals.
On December 21, 2001, amendments to the Privacy Act became effective, applying to most organisations in the private sector.

Service Provided

Personal information is collected to ascertain individuals’ present and ongoing financial needs, priorities, concerns, and lifestyle objectives. This facilitates the provision of high-quality professional financial planning services and advice consistent with individuals’ wishes and expectations. This constitutes the primary purpose of collecting information.

The Policy
This policy imposes obligations to ensure the accuracy of information collected, used, or disclosed. Reasonable steps will be taken to protect information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised modification or disclosure.

Collection and Use of Information
Personal information will only be collected when necessary for legitimate business functions, such as providing financial planning services and advice. Collection will occur through lawful and fair means, and personal information will not be used for any unrelated purpose. Information will not be disclosed, sold, distributed, rented, shared, or passed on to any party other than for the disclosed purpose.

From time to time, relevant products, services, or information may be brought to attention. An option to discontinue receiving such information will be provided.

Data may also be collected via the website to determine usage patterns, improve usability, and better meet user needs. Information may be collected directly (e.g., name and email address) or through the use of cookies, which enable recognition of browsers. Cookie use can be disabled in browser settings. All website-collected information will be subject to the same privacy practices outlined in this policy.

Accessing and Correcting Information Held
Individuals have the right to access personal information held about them. Access may be denied in certain circumstances, such as:

  • When releasing the information would unreasonably impact the privacy of others,
  • If it is unlawful to provide the information,
  • If it may endanger safety or mental health,
  • If it may prejudice investigations into potential fraud or illegal activity,
  • If the request is frivolous or vexatious,
  • Or if the information relates to legal proceedings and would not otherwise be accessible through the discovery process.

Where access is denied, reasons will be provided in writing. Alternatively, access may be facilitated through a mutually agreed intermediary. Reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date. Individuals are encouraged to contact the organisation if corrections are needed.

Disclosure of Information Collected

Personal information will not be used for purposes unrelated to the service provided. However, secondary uses may occur if they are related to the primary purpose, are reasonably expected, or if explicit consent has been provided.

Provision of Further Information

Individuals have the right to opt out of receiving information. Upon receiving a request, this preference will be recorded. However, it is recommended to consider the benefits of receiving such information before opting out.

If a privacy-related complaint arises, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Contact the relevant adviser to discuss the complaint and submit it in writing.
  2. If unresolved within 7 days, escalate the written complaint to the Complaints Officer.
  3. If dissatisfaction remains, contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further assistance.

Details about submitting complaints and contacting the OAIC can be found on their website: www.oaic.gov.au