Privacy policy

This Privacy Policy, has been developed to meet the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) including the National Privacy Principles.  It applies to any personal information provided to us via our website or otherwise. 

Collecting personal information about you
Grant Thornton Australia is part of one of the largest networks of independently owned accounting and consulting firms in the world, offering many different categories of advisory, tax and business consulting services.  We need to collect personal information from our clients in order to:

• set up and administer appropriate services for clients
• determine our clients' requirements and assess their needs
• monitor and improve our services; and
• comply with certain laws and regulations that apply to us and or our clients.

Without personal information, we cannot provide our services.

We only collect personal information necessary for one or more of Grant Thornton Australia’s functions or activities, including providing services.  Grant Thornton Australia may also collect sensitive information, such as memberships of a professional or trade association, or health information.  We will only collect sensitive information in limited circumstances including:

• with consent, or
• where required or permitted by law

Sometimes we may need to source personal information about our clients from third parties.  If we do so, we will take reasonable steps to inform our clients of this (as applicable).

Web
Our internet server automatically uses a browser cookie to store a random session identifier to aid the presentation of our website.  Grant Thornton Australia may store personal information that is submitted to it via any online form on its website.

How we use and disclose your personal information
Grant Thornton Australia uses and discloses personal information in order to provide its clients with the services requested or to otherwise carry out our functions or activities. 

We may also use and disclose personal information for other purposes where we have consent or in certain other circumstances in accordance with the Privacy Act, for example where the use and disclosure is authorised by law or is necessary as part of an investigation into unlawful activity.

We may use information to contact clients and other parties who have provided us their personal information to promote other services we offer and events and publications that may be relevant.  Individuals can opt out of receiving offers and promotions from Grant Thornton Australia by request.

As one of a number of member firms that form Grant Thornton International, Grant Thornton Australia may provide personal information about clients to other member firms within the Grant Thornton group.  Other Grant Thornton member firms may use and disclose personal information for the purposes for which it was provided.

Grant Thornton Australia will not disclose personal information to third parties for the purpose of allowing them to engage in direct marketing activities.

Grant Thornton Australia uses third party contractors to perform services which may involve the handling of personal information held.  For example, to store and archive client files, or to monitor or improve our services.

On occasion Grant Thornton Australia may transfer personal information outside of Australia.  It will only do this with consent (in some cases this consent may be implied), or if it has taken steps to ensure the personal information is treated in a manner consistent with the Privacy Act.

How we manage your personal information
Grant Thornton Australia takes all reasonable steps to make sure that the data it collects is accurate, complete and up to date. 

If advised that the personal information Grant Thornton Australia holds is not accurate, complete or up to date, it will take reasonable steps to ensure that the situation is rectified. 

Grant Thornton Australia takes reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse or loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.  For example, this Privacy Policy as updated from time to time is included with employee privacy training.

Access to your personal information
Individuals may request access to their personal information held by Grant Thornton Australia on request, unless access is restricted under the Privacy Act, for example if:

• giving access would have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of others; or
• the information would prejudice negotiations we are having with you; or
• giving access would be unlawful

If Grant Thornton Australia declines to provide access to the personal information it holds, it will provide reason(s) why to the extent this is permitted or practicable.

Contacting us
If you would like more information about the way Grant Thornton Australia handles privacy, or if you wish to make a privacy complaint in relation to Grant Thornton Australia, please contact:

Telephone: Your local Grant Thornton Australia office and ask to speak to the Office Managing Partner or the Privacy Officer

Email:  privacy.officer@au.gt.com

Mail: Privacy Officer
PO Locked Bag Q800
QVB Post Office
Sydney   NSW    1230

Changes to our privacy policy
From time to time, Grant Thornton Australia may review and amend this privacy policy.  It may notify you of any changes by posting a new version of our policy onto our website at www.grantthornton.com.au.