Credit Reporting Policy
Cooper & Associates Accountants and its associated entities respect and value your privacy. This credit reporting policy outlines how we collect, store, protect and use your Credit Information and comply with our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) [Privacy Act] and the associated Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code 2014. You can find more information about the Privacy Act on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website at www.oaic.gov.au/privacy.
Whilst we will take reasonable steps to ensure we comply with our obligations, we cannot guarantee that Credit Information cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons (e.g. hackers) or that unauthorised disclosures will not occur.
Who does it apply to?
This policy applies to any person or entity for whom we currently hold, or may hold, credit information for in the future, with the exception of employees (current and former).
What Credit Information do we collect and hold?
The Credit Information we collect and hold will differ for each individual. Generally, the types of information that we may collect and hold include:
• identification details;
• credit history;
• credit arrangements;
• credit rating;
• credit assessment score;
• court proceedings in relation to credit activities;
• insolvency applications;
• other publicly available credit information.
Collection of Credit Information
Generally we will collect credit information directly from you.
In providing you with finance, accounting, business advice and associated services we may also collect credit information from:
• your associated entities;
• your trade creditors and debtors;
• banks and financial institutions;
• other credit providers.
We collect Credit Information for the purposes of providing professional services and managing our business relationship with you. We will also use this information to process payments for our professional fees.
How we store and protect Credit Information
We store and protect Credit Information as per our Privacy Policy. To access our Privacy Policy please click here.
Disclosure of Credit Information
We may disclose Credit Information to third parties including:
• Abacus Financial Services (QLD) Pty Ltd trading as Cooper & Associates Financial Services;
• professional advisors or agents for individuals who we act for;
• banks and financial institutions;
• Government bodies;
• lawyers and legal firms;
• credit-related service providers (e.g. debt collection agencies).
We will not disclose Credit Information to overseas recipients.
We will never sell your Credit Information.
How you can access your Credit Information
Advice on how you can access your Credit or Personal Information is detailed in our Privacy Policy. To access our Privacy Policy please click here.
What to do if you believe there has been a breach of Privacy
Complaints about breaches of Privacy should first be made to us in writing. We aim to respond to all complaints within 30 days of receipt.
Complaints can be sent to:
The Privacy Officer
PO Box 5099
GLADSTONE QLD 4680
or
privacy@coopersaccountants.com.au
Complaints that are unable to be resolved in the first instance can be referred to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
From time to time it may be necessary to review this policy. You can find the current version of our Credit Reporting Policy on our website.
This policy was last updated in January 2016.
