Privacy Policy

Baird & McGregor Pty Ltd (ACN 124 572 274) (“Baird & McGregor” / “We”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information, and how we safeguard it in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (“Privacy Act”) and the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”). By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Our Commitment

At Baird & McGregor, we understand the importance of your personal information. As an APP entity under the Privacy Act, we are obligated to follow strict laws when collecting, using, and disclosing your personal information.

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your personal data. We will only use or disclose your personal information as outlined in this policy, unless we have your consent or are required to do so by law.

2. Personal Information We Collect

Personal information refers to information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, gender, residential address.

• Contact Information: Email address, phone numbers.

• Financial Information: Bank account details, financial information, employment and business information.

• Technical Data: IP addresses, device information, internet usage data, including cookies.

• Sensitive Information: This may include your criminal history, medical information, and other sensitive details. We will only collect sensitive information with your consent or when required by law.

3. How We Collect Your Personal Information

We collect your personal information in the following ways:

• Direct Interactions: When you provide personal details by completing forms on our website, contacting us via email or phone, or engaging with us through social media.

• Website: Information collected through cookies, browsing activity, IP addresses, and interactions with our website.

• Third-Party Sources: We may also collect personal information from third parties with your consent or where authorised by law, such as from business partners or government bodies.

• Other Communications: Via facsimile, postal mail, or other communication channels.

4. Use of Cookies

We use cookies on our website to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit websites. We may use persistent cookies (which remain after closing your browser) and session cookies (which are temporary and erased after you close your browser).

Cookies help us remember your preferences, improve website functionality, and deliver targeted advertising. You can manage cookies via your browser settings, including the option to block or delete them. However, blocking cookies may affect your experience on our website.

5. Why We Collect Your Personal Information

We may collect your personal information for a range of purposes, including but not limited to:

• Providing Legal Services: To deliver the legal services you require, including responding to inquiries and providing legal advice.

• Security and Fraud Prevention: To protect our services and prevent any misuse of our website.

• Research and Development: To improve our services and tailor them to your needs.

• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, including reporting to government bodies, legal compliance, and financial regulations.

6. How We Use Your Personal Information

Your personal information may be used for the following purposes:

• Verification: To verify your identity and your eligibility for services.

• Customer Support: To respond to your queries and provide customer support.

• Business Operations: For the purposes of billing, debt collection, and maintaining our business infrastructure.

• Research: To conduct research and development and improve our legal services.

• Marketing: We may use your personal information to send promotional offers or information about our services. You may opt-out of these communications at any time.

7. Disclosure of Your Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to the following entities:

• Our Service Providers: Contractors, consultants, and service providers who assist us in operating our business (e.g., accountants, auditors, and IT service providers).

• Regulatory Bodies: Government and regulatory authorities when required by law, including for financial, tax, and legal compliance.

• Professional Advisors: Legal, financial, and other professional advisors who assist us with business operations.

• If required by law or under a court order, we may disclose your information to law enforcement agencies or regulatory authorities.

8. Sensitive Information

We may collect sensitive information (e.g., health or criminal history) in certain circumstances, but only with your explicit consent or when required by law. Sensitive information is subject to stricter protections under the Privacy Act.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. This includes using firewalls, encryption, anti-virus software, and secure servers.

While we implement security measures, please note that no method of transmitting data over the internet is 100% secure. However, once we receive your information, we take appropriate measures to secure it.

10. Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. If you believe any of the information we hold is incorrect, you can request that we correct or update it.

To request access or make a correction, please contact our Office Manager. In some cases, we may deny access or correction if it is unreasonable to provide it or if doing so would violate the privacy of others.

11. Retention of Personal Information

Baird & McGregor will not be liable for any loss, corruption, delay, or loss of confidentiality arising from any data or information transmitted electronically if it has followed appropriate virus checking and privacy procedures.

We will retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When it is no longer needed, we may securely dispose of your information or de-identify it.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and the revised policy will take effect once it is published. Please check periodically for updates.

13. Complaints and Contacting Us

If you have any concerns or believe your privacy has been breached, please contact our Office Manager:

• Email: manager@bmcg.com.au

• Phone: 03 5331 3100

If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Australia, and any disputes will be handled under Australian law.

By using Baird & McGregor’s services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. We value your privacy and are committed to safeguarding your personal data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).