PRIVACY POLICY
Your Privacy Matters to Us
Armstrong Sykes Legal Privacy Policy
Introduction
This APP Privacy Policy of Armstrong Sykes Legal Pty Ltd ABN 41 664 599 393 (hereinafter 'Armstrong Sykes Legal') is Armstrong Sykes Legal’s official privacy policy as required by the Privacy Act 1988 (the "Act") and the Australian Privacy Principles (the "APPs"). It applies to all personal information about individuals collected by Armstrong Sykes Legal.
In this policy, we explain how and why we collect personal information about individuals, how we use it, and what controls individuals have over our use of it.
Armstrong Sykes Legal is committed to complying with Commonwealth legislation (the Act and the APPs) that governs how businesses may collect, hold, and use personal information about individuals and to protecting and safeguarding individuals' privacy when they deal with us.
Furthermore, as a legal firm, Armstrong Sykes Legal is bound by legal and professional obligations of solicitor-client confidentiality in respect of information provided to us by our clients and the advice we give to clients.
Collection of Information
Some information provided to us by clients and other parties might be considered private or personal. However, without such information, we would not be able to carry on our business activities and provide our legal services. We will only collect such personal information if it is necessary for one of our functions or activities.
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information and is defined as information or an opinion (which is also personal information) about an individual’s:
a) racial or ethnic origin; b) political opinions; c) membership of a political association; d) religious beliefs or affiliations; e) philosophical beliefs; f) membership of a professional or trade association; g) membership of a trade union; h) sexual preferences or practices; i) criminal record; or j) health information.
As a law firm whose business activities include providing legal services, Armstrong Sykes Legal, in the course of providing such legal services, may need to collect sensitive information about individuals.
Prior to collecting sensitive information about individual clients, Armstrong Sykes Legal will ensure that the individual is adequately informed as to the reason for the collection of the sensitive information and that the individual has the capacity to understand and communicate their consent, which must be voluntarily given by the individual (or the individual’s Legal Guardian, as the case may be).
The kinds of personal and/or sensitive information that Armstrong Sykes Legal may collect and hold in respect of individuals include:
a) Names; b) Contact details (e.g., residential address, postal address, telephone number, email address); c) Age; d) Gender; e) Ethnicity; f) Nationality; g) Academic history; h) Employment history; i) Health information; j) Medicare information; k) Financial information, including transaction history; l) Credit history; m) Criminal history; n) Emergency contact details; o) Identification information (e.g., driver’s license number); p) Hobbies, interests, or memberships; q) Personal and/or sensitive information relevant to any legal matter concerning the individual.
Use and Disclosure of Information
We may use or disclose personal information held about an individual as permitted by law and for business purposes, including the provision of legal services, administration, notifications about changes to our services, record-keeping, and technical maintenance.
Armstrong Sykes Legal may also use such information for purposes related to the primary purpose of collection, where the individual would reasonably expect such use. Disclosures may be made to third parties, including barristers, experts, courts, tribunals, IT service providers, and regulatory bodies, where necessary for legal services.
In addition, we are permitted to use or disclose personal information:
a) With the individual's consent; b) Where necessary to prevent serious threats to health or safety; c) In cases of suspected unlawful activity; d) Where required by law (e.g., subpoenas, court orders); e) For law enforcement and regulatory compliance purposes.
Security and Storage
Armstrong Sykes Legal places great importance on the security of all information associated with our clients and others who deal with us. We implement security measures to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorized access.
Personal information is securely de-identified or destroyed when no longer required.
While we strive to protect personal information, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be absolutely secure. Users transmit information at their own risk.
Access to and Correction of Personal Information
Any individual may request access to personal information about them held by Armstrong Sykes Legal. Such requests should be directed to our Privacy Officer:
Armstrong Sykes Legal Privacy Officer Reception Ph No: 1300 278 721
Email: robert@armstrongsykeslegal.com.au
Verification of identity is required for access requests. Armstrong Sykes Legal may refuse access under certain circumstances, such as legal privilege, safety risks, or regulatory obligations. Reasons for refusal will be provided where applicable.
Complaints
Complaints about our APP Privacy Policy or Armstrong Sykes Legal’s handling of personal information should be directed to our Privacy Officer at the contact details above. We will investigate and attempt to resolve any issues within 30 days. If not satisfied, individuals may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
Changes to Privacy Policy
If Armstrong Sykes Legal amends this policy, changes will be posted on our website. Please check this Privacy Policy regularly for updates.
Further Information
For further information regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Email: robert@armstrongsykeslegal.com.au
For more information on privacy legislation or the APPs, visit the OAIC website at www.oaic.gov.au.