We are committed to ensuring that personal information is collected, used and shared in accordance with the Australian privacy laws.
1. Collection of Information
a. At or before the time that personal information is collected, reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that individuals are aware of:-
i) the identity of our organisation and how to contact us;
ii) the fact that individuals are able to gain access to the information;
iii) the purposes for which the information is collected;
iv) the organisations (or the types of organisations) to which the organisation usually discloses information of that kind;
v) any law that requires the particular information to be collected;
vi) the consequences of failing to provide the information.
b. Only authorised members of staff will collect personal information;
c. Personal information will only be collected on an ‘as required’ basis;
d. Only information that is required for real estate practice functions or activities will be collected.
e. Information will be collected directly from the individual that it is concerning, wherever possible. If this cannot be adhered to, all reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that the relevant individual is aware of these matters.
2. Disclosure of Information
a. Personal information will not be disclosed for purposes other than the primary (notified) purpose of collection unless prior written consent is obtained, unless:-
i) The Secondary uses and disclosures of information are related to the primary purpose and the individual is likely to expect those uses and disclosures, even if they have not actually consented to them, or
ii) Where it is necessary for law enforcement purposes or there is a belief that there is a threat to a person’s safety or health, we may need to disclose your personal information to third parties, as required by law.
b. Personal information will not be used for the purposes of direct marketing unless specific prior written consent has been received. For each direct marketing contact, an option will be available to not to receive further direct marketing. Sensitive information will not be used for the secondary purpose of direct marketing.
3. Security
a. All reasonable steps will be taken to protect the personal information held, from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Document storage will be conducted by way of a locked, fire-resistant filing cabinet or safe, or on a username and password protected database, both of which can only be accessed by authorised persons.
b. All reasonable steps will be made to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information if it is no longer needed for any purpose for which the information may be used or disclosed.
4. Access & Correction
a. Access to personal information will be provided upon written request by an individual, unless:-
i) it would pose a serious and imminent threat to life or health of any individual;
ii) it would provide an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others;
iii) the request is frivolous or vexatious;
iv) the information relates to legal proceedings with the individual and would not be accessible through discovery in those proceedings;
v) access would reveal intentions in negotiations with the individual in a way that would prejudice those negotiations;
vi) it would be unlawful or is required or authorised under law;
vii) it would prejudice the investigation of an unlawful activity or other law enforcement.
b. If an individual can show that information is not accurate, complete and up to date, reasonable steps will be taken to correct it. If there is a dispute about the accuracy of information, all reasonable steps will be taken to include a statement to that effect, with the information.
