Privacy Policy

(Revised February 2026)

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 April 2026

Policy Owner: Principal Solicitor (Full-Time)

Next Review: 1 October 2026

Settle Connect is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal
information in accordance with the Legal Profession Uniform Law (LPUL),
the Uniform General Rules, the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under
the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and the ARNECC Model Participation Rules (MPR)
applicable to electronic conveyancing.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect
your personal information when providing legal and electronic conveyancing services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for us to provide
legal and conveyancing services, meet our regulatory obligations, and operate
our business.

a) Personal Information

This may include:

  • Contact Details: Name, residential address, email address, phone number.
  • Identity Information: Driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card, or other VOI documents.
  • Financial Information: Bank account details for settlement, trust account transactions, or disbursements.
  • Client Authority Information: Client Authorisation Forms, signatures, and related verification documents.
  • Family or Associated Party Information: Where relevant to your matter (e.g., co-owners, spouses, powers of attorney, other lawyers).

b) Transaction & Matter Information

We may also collect:

  • Property details, contract particulars, title searches, and rates notices
  • Information from real estate agents, brokers, lenders, or other parties
  • Trust account instructions and settlement figures
  • Information required by PEXA or other Electronic Lodgement Network Operators (ELNOs)

c) Sensitive Information

We generally do not collect sensitive information unless required by law or
necessary for your matter, and only with your consent.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for purposes including:

  • Providing Legal and Conveyancing Services
    To act for you in property transactions, settlements, and related legal work.
  • Identity Verification & Compliance
    To meet obligations under LPUL, ARNECC MPR, VOI requirements, trust accounting rules,
    and anti-money laundering obligations where applicable.
  • Electronic Conveyancing Participation
    To create, lodge, and manage electronic workspace transactions through
    PEXA or other ELNOs.
  • Communication
    To communicate with you, your representatives, financial institutions,
    agents, and other parties involved in your matter.
  • Record Keeping & Regulatory Obligations
    To maintain accurate records as required under LPUL, the Uniform General Rules,
    ARNECC MPR, and trust account legislation.
  • Business Operations
    For internal administration, risk management, training, and quality assurance.

We do not use your information for direct marketing unless you have expressly consented.

3. Disclosure of Your Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

  • PEXA or other ELNOs
  • Government agencies (e.g., Land Registry, State Revenue Office)
  • Financial institutions involved in settlement
  • Real estate agents, brokers, or other parties to the transaction
  • Our professional advisers (e.g., auditors, insurers)
  • Service providers assisting with IT, data storage, or administrative functions
  • Courts, tribunals, or regulators where required by law

We will never sell your personal information.

4. Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss,
unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Measures include:

  • Secure digital storage and encrypted systems
  • Restricted access to sensitive information
  • Compliance with LPUL confidentiality obligations
  • Compliance with ARNECC MPR security requirements
  • Secure destruction of documents when no longer required

5. Retention of Information

  • Verification of Identity (VOI) Documents: Retained for at least 7 years in line with ARNECC MPR and LPUL requirements.
  • Client Authorisation Forms: Retained for at least 7 years.
  • Trust Account Records: Retained for at least 7 years under trust accounting rules.
  • Other Personal Information: Retained only as long as necessary to fulfil legal, regulatory, or business purposes.

6. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with:

  • LPUL (including ss 34, 35, 129, 298(h))
  • Uniform General Rules
  • Professional conduct obligations
  • Common law duties of confidentiality


We will only disclose confidential information:

  • With your consent
  • When required by law
  • When necessary to protect your rights or our legal interests
  • When required for regulatory compliance or audit

7. Access and Correction

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time.
We will respond within a reasonable period and in accordance with the APPs.

8. Overseas Disclosure

We generally do not disclose personal information overseas. If an overseas disclosure
becomes necessary (e.g., cloud storage providers), we will ensure appropriate
safeguards are in place.

9. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law,
technology, or business practices. The latest version will always be available
on our website.

10. 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]

End of Policy