Your privacy is important to us
This statement summarises Saward Dawson’s policy on how we use and manage personal information provided to or collected by us.
Saward Dawson is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles as outlined in the Commonwealth Privacy Act, the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, and the confidentiality requirements of APES 110.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
Saward Dawson may, from time to time, review and update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in laws, technology, and our practices. We will ensure that it remains appropriate to the changing legal environment.
Information We Collect
The type of information Saward Dawson may collect and hold includes (but is not limited to):
- an individual’s identity and contact details,
- date of birth, tax file numbers, bank account details,
- information on minors,
- financial information,
- information required by taxation law,
- sensitive information,
- credit information,
- employee record information,
- photographs.
Sensitive information can include information related to:
- racial or ethnic origin,
- political opinions or associations,
- religious or philosophical beliefs,
- trade union membership or associations,
- sexual orientation or practices,
- criminal record,
- health or genetic information,
- some aspects of biometric information, including signatures.
Personal Information you provide:
Saward Dawson will generally collect personal information through phone calls, meetings, documents, agreements, forms etc. You have the right to seek to deal with us anonymously or using a pseudonym, but in most circumstances, it will not be practicable for us to provide services or respond comprehensively to you unless you identify yourself.
Personal information provided by other organisation:
On occasion, we may receive personal information about you from third-party service providers (e.g., your solicitor). If we receive personal information from another source, we will determine whether we could have collected it directly from you. If not, we will destroy or de-identify that information.
How will Saward Dawson use the personal information you provide?
Saward Dawson will use personal information for the primary purpose of collection and for other secondary purposes that are related to the primary purpose and reasonably expected, or to which you have consented.
In relation to direct marketing, Saward Dawson will use your personal information for direct marketing. You will be given the option to opt-out of direct marketing communications.
Who might Saward Dawson disclose personal information to?
Saward Dawson may disclose personal information, including sensitive information, to:
- government departments, example: ATO, ACNC, ASIC,
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) Quality Control,
- Russell Bedford International Quality Control,
- banking and financial institutions,
- superannuation authorities,
- government and statutory bodies,
- auditors,
- people providing services to Saward Dawson, and
- anyone you authorise Saward Dawson to disclose information to.
Sending information overseas:
Generally, Saward Dawson uses systems and services located within Australia. From time to time or in specific circumstances, we may send your information to recipients located overseas, including to related parties and service providers or other third parties who operate or hold data outside Australia. We may also send information overseas to complete a particular transaction or matter where this is required by the laws and regulations of Australia or another country. When we send your personal information to overseas recipients, we make sure appropriate data handling and security arrangements are in place.
Management and security of personal information
Saward Dawson’s employees are required to respect the confidentiality of personal information and the privacy of individuals. We have implemented various measures to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure, including:
- password-protected access to computerised records
- dual factor authentication
- computer password authentication
- secure Cloud Storage
- server encryption and site monitoring
- IT reviews
- firewalls and intrusion detection
- the use of client portals to send and receive documents
- Physical security, including building security and restricted access to premises
- staff training
- confidentiality clauses in employment agreements
- computer, internet, and email policies
- locked storage of paper records
- compliance with the Rules of Ethical Conduct of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
Updating personal information
Saward Dawson endeavours to ensure that the personal information we hold is accurate, complete, and up to date. You may request us to update your personal information by contacting us. While there is no fee for accessing or correcting your personal information, a fee may be charged for retrieving and copying extensive materials. We will advise you of the likely cost in advance if applicable.
Retention of Personal Information
From time to time, the firm will review whether it still needs to retain a person’s personal information. If it is no longer required for the purpose for which the firm originally collected it, then the firm will delete or de-identify the information.
Personal contact details may be kept for marketing purposes unless we have been notified that a person no longer wishes to be contacted.
Enquiries and privacy complaints
For further information about how Saward Dawson manages personal information, or if you have any concerns or complaints about a privacy breach, please contact us. If we do not satisfactorily address your concerns within 30 days, you may refer your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by visiting their website: oaic.gov.au
