Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1 July 2024
Settle Connect is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. In accordance with our professional obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (including, where applicable, Sections 34 & 35, 129, and 298(h)) and the relevant Uniform General Rules, this Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information.
1. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information We may collect the following types of personal information from you and individuals associated with you:
- Contact Information: Such as your name, address, email address, and telephone number.
- Identification Information: Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, or other identification documents for verification purposes.
- Financial Information: Including bank account details, which are necessary for the facilitation of property transactions and trust account management.
b. Transaction-Related Information In connection with the provision of our legal services, we may also collect additional information relevant to your property transaction.
2. Use of Information
Your personal information is used for the following purposes:
- Provision of Legal Services: To deliver legal services related to property transactions in a manner that complies with our obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
- Identity Verification and Regulatory Compliance: To verify your identity and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including those stipulated under Sections 34 & 35 and Section 129 of the Uniform Law.
- Communication: To keep you informed and to communicate with you, as well as with relevant third parties involved in your transaction.
- Record Keeping: To maintain accurate and complete records as required under the Legal Profession Uniform Law and the relevant Uniform General Rules.
3. Retention of Information
- Verification Documents: Documents used for identity verification (e.g., copies of passports and driver’s licenses) are retained for a minimum period of two (2) years, or for a longer period if required under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (such as Section 129) or other applicable legislation.
- Other Personal Information: All other personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as otherwise required by law.
4. Security of Information
We implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures are designed to comply with our obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (notably Sections 34 & 35, 129, and 298(h)) and the relevant Uniform General Rules. Access to sensitive information is limited solely to authorized personnel.
5. Confidentiality of Information
Settle Connect is dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. We will not disclose your information to any third party except:
- When required by law or legal process; or
- When necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of Settle Connect, our clients, or others, in accordance with our professional and legal obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
6. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. If any material changes are made, we will notify you by posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website or by other appropriate means.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, or if you wish to exercise your rights regarding your personal information, please contact us at:
Settle Connect
Level 33, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9070 9862
Email: [email protected]
By using Settle Connect’s services or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
