Privacy Policy
Ward Keller Lawyers (“Ward Keller”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and manage personal information across all of our business activities, including the provision of legal services and identity verification processes.
1. Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to personal information collected and handled by Ward Keller in connection with:
- the provision of legal services
- client onboarding and identity verification
- business operations and administration
- recruitment and employment
- third-party interactions
- our website and digital communications
2. Types of Personal Information We Collect
We may collect and hold personal information including:
- name, address, contact details
- date of birth and identification information
- government-related identifiers (e.g. driver licence, passport details)
- financial and billing information
- information relevant to legal matters
- employment-related information
- any other information provided to us in the course of our services
3. How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information:
- directly from you
- from your representatives or authorised agents
- from third parties (e.g. government agencies, identity verification providers, referrers)
- from publicly available sources where appropriate
4. Identity Verification and Use of the DVS
As part of our legal and regulatory obligations, we may verify your identity using the Document Verification Service (DVS).
In doing so:
- we will only use the DVS where reasonably necessary for our functions or legal obligations
- we will obtain your express, informed consent before submitting a verification request
- we will inform you of:
- the purpose of the verification
- how your information will be used and disclosed
- your rights and how to make a complaint
- the consequences of not consenting
The DVS returns only a match or no match result and does not provide underlying government record data.
We comply with strict limitations on DVS data and will not use it for unrelated purposes, including profiling or tracking individuals.
5. Collection and Handling of Identification Documents
Where identification documents are provided to us, we collect and retain the full information contained in those documents (including document numbers and other identifying details) with your express, informed consent.
We do not redact or alter identification information where it is reasonably necessary for identity verification or to comply with our legal and professional obligations.
We only use and disclose this information for those purposes and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
6. Purposes for Using Personal Information
We use personal information for purposes including:
- providing legal advice and services
- verifying identity and preventing fraud
- complying with legal and regulatory obligations
- managing client relationships
- internal administration and risk management
- recruitment and employment
We will only use personal information for the purpose for which it was collected or as otherwise permitted by law.
7. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose personal information:
- to courts, tribunals and regulators
- to government agencies (including for identity verification)
- to service providers (e.g. IT providers, identity verification providers)
- to other parties as required in the course of legal services
- where required or authorised by law
We do not sell personal information.
8. Government-Related Identifiers
We collect and use government-related identifiers only where reasonably necessary to:
- verify identity
- comply with legal or regulatory requirements
We do not adopt or use such identifiers as our own identifiers or for unrelated purposes.
9. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information, including:
- restricting access to authorised personnel
- maintaining secure IT systems and environments
- implementing monitoring, logging and audit controls
10. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as required to:
- provide services
- comply with legal and professional obligations
- meet regulatory and audit requirements
Some information may be retained in backups or archives.
11. Access and Correction
You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.
We will take reasonable steps to ensure information is accurate, complete and up to date.
12. Complaints
If you have a complaint about how we handle personal information, please contact us.
We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
13. Overseas Disclosure
We do not routinely disclose personal information overseas.
Where overseas disclosure occurs, we will take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws.
14. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will be made available on our website.
15. Contact Us
Ward Keller Lawyers
Email: wardkeller@wardkeller.com.au
Phone: +61 8 8946 2999