Privacy Policy

The entity covered by this policy is Commins Hendriks Pty Ltd. Our principal places of business are listed on our website:
www.comminshendriks.com

This policy outlines Commins Hendriks policy in relation to the management of personal information we obtain and hold about our clients, parties to actions, potential clients, contractors and all other parties with whom Commins Hendriks has a business relationship.

Commins Hendriks is bound by and committed to the National Privacy Principals as stated in the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. This act sets out how your personal in formation is to be handled by this firm, and states that we are under an obligation to you to inform you of these processes.

You can view these principals by accessing the following link:
http://www.privacy.gov.au/publications/npps01.html

This privacy policy operates, notwithstanding the strict duties of confidentiality that apply within the scope of a solicitor-client relationship. Commins Hendriks complies with its duties of confidentiality, legal and professional privilege and those duties of a fiduciary nature at all times.

Collection of Personal Information
Your personal information is treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. We collect your information only if necessary. Please be aware that your information is collected:

  • If it is required for Commins Hendriks operations,
  • By just and legal means, and without being unnecessarily invasive, and
  • Where possible, only from the client himself or herself, or from the individual concerned.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our work, we are generally unable to deal with clients anonymously, however rest assured that we handle your information with the utmost respect and care, and maintain your confidentiality at all times.

When users visit our website, Commins Hendriks may use “cookies” to obtain anonymous statistics to help us to know what people find useful and helpful on our website. This enables us to provide you with the best facility possible. We do not link any information back to an individual user, and do not store any user information.

The kind of information that can be captured by cookies includes:

  • Internet provider
  • Date and time of your visit
  • Pages searched and documents downloaded
  • Search items entered
  • Referring URL’s (universal locators)

If you do not wish to receive any cookies, you can set your web browser to refuse cookies.

Use of Personal information
Commins Hendriks will only disclose your personal information:

  • For the purpose that it was collected, for example representing clients in accordance with their instructions, in legal proceedings in accordance with instructions,
  • Where the person concerned has consented,
  • Where the person concerned would reasonably expect this to be done.

We may disclose your information to external service providers, to enable them to perform services we have contracted out to them on your behalf.

Once we have completed your matter, and no longer require your personal information, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it is destroyed appropriately.

Storage of personal information
Commins Hendriks has procedures in place that ensure that your personal information is kept as accurate and up to date as practicable at all times. Access to your personal in formation is restricted, and we have appropriate both physical and electronic security to ensure your details are kept safe. Our IT systems are password protected, and we regularly run audits and data integrity checks to ensure security. We also maintain current anti-virus software to protect our systems and data from computer viruses.

All of our employees are required, as a condition of their employment to respect our client’s confidentiality.

Your access to your information
Commins Hendriks is aware that you have a general right of access to any information we hold about you. You are also at liberty to correct any factual inaccuracy you may discover at any time. Access to this information is subject to legal professional privilege and client confidentiality. A fee may be charged for more complex requests to provide access to information, and this will be based on the reasonable cost of us meeting such requests.

Further Information
We are happy to provide you with further information relating to our privacy, and information handling procedures. If you would like further information, please contact us:

By mail:
The Privacy Officer
Commins Hendriks Solicitors
PO Box 25
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

By e-mail:
wagga@comminshendriks.com

By phone:
02 6933 6900

If you have any concerns or complaints in relation to our handling of your confidential information, you can complain directly to our Chief Executive Officer or contact us using the details listed above. If you are not satisfied with our response, we will advise you on your options for further proceeding with your complaint.

Commins Hendriks reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time without notice. Commins Hendriks will effect changes to this policy by making an up-to-date copy available on our website at all times.