Privacy Policy
Introduction
Arbor Australis Consulting Pty Ltd is committed to providing quality services to you, and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your personal information.
We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act), as amended by the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth).
The APPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your personal information.
A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
What is Personal Information and Why Do We Collect It?
Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of personal information we collect include names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
This personal information is obtained in a number of ways, including via our website www.arboraustralis.com.au, in the course of providing our services, and from third parties. We do not guarantee the content, links, or privacy practices of authorised third-party websites.
We collect your personal information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients, and marketing. We may also use your personal information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing and marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing.
When we collect personal information, we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or an opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record, or health information.
Sensitive information will be used by us only:
- for the primary purpose for which it was obtained;
- for a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose;
- with your consent; or
- where required or authorised by law.
Third Parties
Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your personal information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances, including the following:
- to third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
- where required or authorised by law.
Disclosure of Personal Information Overseas
We use third-party service providers – including cloud storage, document management, project management, and software platforms – some of which may store or process personal information outside Australia.
Where we disclose personal information to overseas recipients, we take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient handles your personal information in a manner consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.
If you would like to know the countries in which our service providers may store or process personal information, please contact us using the details below.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about how visitors use the site, in order to improve functionality and user experience. This may include online identifiers such as IP addresses and browsing activity. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although some parts of the website may not function as intended if cookies are disabled.
Security of Personal Information
Your personal information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse, interference, and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. We maintain reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards, including access controls and the use of reputable, secured systems for the storage of electronic records.
When your personal information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your personal information. However, most personal information is, or will be, stored in client files, which will be kept by us for a minimum of seven years to meet our professional and legal record-keeping obligations.
Data Breaches
We are committed to protecting your personal information and have processes in place to respond to data breaches. Where a data breach is likely to result in serious harm to any individual whose personal information is involved, we will comply with the notification requirements of the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including notifying affected individuals and the OAIC as required.
Automated Decision-Making
Where we use computer programs to make, or substantially assist in making, decisions that could reasonably be expected to significantly affect your rights or interests, we will disclose this in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act. At present, decisions that significantly affect our clients are made by our qualified consultants, and automated tools are used only to support, not replace, professional judgement.
Access to Your Personal Information
You may access the personal information we hold about you, and update or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your personal information, please contact us in writing.
Arbor Australis Consulting Pty Ltd will not charge any fee for your access request but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your personal information.
In order to protect your personal information, we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.
Maintaining the Quality of Your Personal Information
It is important to us that your personal information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date. If you find that the information we hold is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so that we can update our records and continue to provide quality services to you.
Policy Updates
This policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.
Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy, or about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us at:
PO Box 568
Sherwood, Qld, 4075
trees@arboraustralis.com.au
07 3379 7793
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au, or by telephone on 1300 363 992.