The Fox Group Australia Pty Ltd

 

1. Introduction

 

The Fox Group Australia Pty Ltd ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, employees, and other stakeholders. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

 

This policy also explains how we handle personal information collected through our digital platforms, including our website and online forms.

 

2. Scope

 

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected, held, and processed by The Fox Group Australia Pty Ltd in the course of our business activities. It covers information relating to clients, referral partners, potential clients, employees, contractors, job applicants, and other people with whom we interact, including through our website, cloud platforms, and communication tools.

 

3. Collection of Personal Information

 

3.1 Types of Information Collected

 

We may collect and hold personal information including, but not limited to:

• Name, address, email address, and telephone number.
• Date of birth and gender.
• Tax file numbers and other identification details.
• Financial information such as bank account details, credit card information, and income details.
• Financial transaction information including statements.
• Employment details and history.
• Sensitive information (as defined under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)), only with consent or as otherwise permitted by law.
• Any other information necessary for us to provide our services.

 

We collect personal information through various means, including direct interactions, online forms, third-party sources, and publicly available information.

 

When you visit our website, we may collect technical information such as IP addresses, browser type, and cookies for analytics and improvement purposes. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if preferred.

 

We collect personal information only when it is reasonably necessary for our business functions, including providing professional accounting, advisory, and related services.

 

3.2 Method of Collection

 

We collect personal information through various means, including:

• Direct interactions, such as meetings, telephone calls, and emails.
• Online forms and submissions on our website.
• Third-party sources, with the individual's consent.
• Publicly available information.

 

4. Use of Personal Information

 

We use personal information for purposes including, but not limited to:

• Providing accounting and advisory services.
• Communicating with clients and other stakeholders.
• Conducting background checks and verifications.
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Managing and improving our services and business operations.
• Marketing our services, with the individual's consent.

We may also use personal information to comply with obligations to professional associations such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Tax Practitioners Board.

 

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

 

We may disclose personal information to:

• Regulatory authorities and government agencies, as required by law.
• Our professional advisers, including lawyers and auditors.
• Third-party service providers who assist us in delivering our services (e.g. IT support, contractors, cloud storage and software providers).
• Professional associations as required under our professional obligations.
• Any other entity, with the individual's consent or as required by law.

 

Some third-party service providers may store or process information outside Australia (for example, in secure cloud data centres). We take reasonable steps to ensure that any overseas recipients comply with the APPs or equivalent standards of privacy protection. All third-party providers engaged by us are bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations.

 

6. Data Security

 

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:

• Implementing secure data storage and access controls.

• Regularly updating our security measures to address new threats and vulnerabilities.
• Training our employees and third-party providers on privacy and data protection practices.

 

We retain personal information for a period considered appropriate to provide you with the
product/service you require and consistent with applicable laws and the Privacy Act.

 

7. Access and Correction

 

7.1 Access to Personal Information

 

Individuals may request access to their personal information by contacting their usual point of contact within the firm. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may require identification before providing access.
 

7.2 Correction of Personal Information

 

If personal information is incorrect, incomplete, or outdated, individuals may request correction by contacting us. Reasonable steps will be taken to update the information.

 

8. Complaints and Inquiries

 

Individuals with a complaint regarding the handling of personal information or tax agent services should first contact their usual accountant via email. If unresolved within 3 business days, the complaint may be escalated to mail@foxgroup.com.au.

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The Firm aims to acknowledge and resolve complaints within 14 days. If the individual is not satisfied with the outcome, a complaint may be lodged with:

 

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: www.oaic.gov.au

 

For matters relating to taxation services, complaints may also be lodged with the Tax Practitioners Board (www.tpb.gov.au/public-register).

 

9. Changes to This Policy

 

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website, and we encourage individuals to review it regularly.

 

By engaging with The Fox Group Australia Pty Ltd, individuals acknowledge that they have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information as described.