Ham Brothers Accounting ("Ham Brothers", "the Company", "We", "Us", "Our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, visitors, and website users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you interact with us or use our services. We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

By using our services or website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Interpretation and Definitions

• Account – a unique account created for you to access our services.
• Personal Information – information that identifies you as an individual, such as your name, email, or phone number.
• Usage Data – information automatically collected when you use our website or digital services.
• Cookies – small data files placed on your device that help us improve your online experience.
• Service – our accounting, advisory, and related business services, including the Ham Brothers website.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We may collect personal information directly from you, through our website, via email, by phone, in person, or from third parties. Information we collect includes:

• Name, business name, and contact details (email, phone number, address).
• Demographic details such as postcode, preferences, and interests.
• Financial and business information required to provide accounting or advisory services.
• Information relevant to customer surveys, offers, or promotions.
• Technical/Usage Data such as browser type, IP address, device type, and website interactions.
• Any other information you voluntarily provide while engaging with us.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We may collect personal information when you:

• Fill in forms on our website.
• Contact us by phone, email, or through our website.
• Engage our accounting or advisory services.
• Subscribe to newsletters or promotional communications.
• Participate in surveys, promotions, or events.
• Visit our website (where information may be collected via cookies or tracking tools).
• Provide information through third parties we work with (e.g., business partners, contractors).

4. Use of Your Personal Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our accounting, tax, and advisory services.
• To manage your account and client relationship with us.
• For internal record keeping.
• To improve our services, website, and customer experience.
• To send you updates, invoices, reports, and service-related communications.
• To send promotional emails about services, products, or offers (where consented).
• To conduct market research and client feedback surveys.
• To comply with legal obligations and professional standards.
• To protect against fraud, unlawful activity, or misuse of services.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information:

• To employees, contractors, professional advisers, insurers, or business partners, where reasonably necessary to deliver services.
• To service providers that assist us (IT providers, marketing, data storage, or cloud service partners).
• If required by law, regulation, or in response to legal proceedings or requests from government authorities.
• In the event of a business transfer, merger, or acquisition.
• With your consent, for any other purpose.

We will never sell, lease, or distribute your personal information to third parties without your consent, unless required by law.

6. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Monitor website performance and traffic patterns.
• Improve user experience and personalise content.
• Deliver targeted advertising (e.g., Google Ads).

You can choose to accept or decline cookies in your browser settings. Declining cookies may limit access to certain features of our website.

7. Security of Your Information

We are committed to ensuring your personal information is secure. We have implemented suitable physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard your data against misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. However, transmission of information online is not entirely risk-free, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Storage and Overseas Transfer

Your information may be stored electronically or in hard copy within Australia. Occasionally, your data may be processed or stored with trusted providers located overseas (such as cloud service providers). If this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure that any overseas recipient complies with the Australian Privacy Principles.

9. Access to and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, or misleading information.

Requests should be made in writing (see contact details below). A small administrative fee may apply for access. We may refuse access in circumstances permitted by the Privacy Act.

10. Complaints About Privacy

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, please contact us using the details below. We take all complaints seriously and will respond promptly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

11. Retention of Personal Information

We will retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.
• Comply with legal, tax, and professional record-keeping obligations.
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

12. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to check this page periodically to ensure you are aware of any changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, requests, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Ham Brothers Accounting
📍 Unit 2, 28 Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie QLD 4172
📮 PO Box 450, Morningside QLD 4170
📧 Email: who@hambros.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 7 3395 6000
🌐 Website: hambros.com.au