1. OBJECTIVES
Angus Knight Group (AKG) is committed to protecting the privacy of an individual’s personal and/or sensitive information (“personal information”) and is bound by the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (Amendment Act) that underpin the Privacy Act 1988.
2. PURPOSE
This policy explains how AKG handles the personal information of people who work for, and with AKG, (such as employees, contractors, and people who work for our suppliers). This includes the collection, use, disclosure, and storage, as well as the individual’s right to access this information
A separate policy, relating to how we may collect, use, and disclose personal information about our clients and the general public, can be found on the AKG website.
3. SCOPE
This policy applies to all AKG employees, all AKG suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, work experience students, interns, and volunteers (Workers).
4. POLICY
This Policy describes how AKG protects the rights of prospective, current, and past employees and addresses:
- Collection and the use of personal information
- Release of personal information
- Disposal of personal information
- Accessing personal information
- Storing personal information
Where personal information is collected from
AKG collects personal information about its employees from interviews, employment applications, forms, resumes, correspondence, and various other sources in the course of employment. AKG may hold the following personal information about an employee:
- Name, street address, telephone number
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Banking details, tax file numbers and superannuation details
- Education and qualifications
- Health information
- Performance and remuneration details
- Occupation, position, and employment history; and
- Any other personal information received by AKG in the course of the employment.
How personal information is collected
(a) when you provide it to AKG
For example, if you apply for or commence work at AKG, you will provide information to AKG as part of your application or induction. If you work for a company that is a contractor to AKG, then your employer may provide your details.
(b) when someone else provides it to AKG on your behalf
Someone else (such as a recruitment agent or referee) may provide AKG with information about you when we were assessing your suitability for work at AKG. A colleague may provide information about you for the purpose of appraising your performance or conducting an internal investigation.
(c) when AKG collect it in relation to your work
AKG may also collect information about you and your work during your employment or performance of a contract, such as information about you entering and leaving AKG property, your use of AKG equipment (including computers), and information collected from monitoring your use of email, to ensure you comply with our applicable policies.
Purposes for which personal information is collected, used, and disclosed
The purposes for which we collect, use, and disclose personal information include:
- to establish, maintain and manage our relationship with you, including functions such as recruitment, payroll, appraisals, and any disciplinary action (including any termination of any employment or engagement) and managing your work and any claim in relation to any injuries or illnesses you may have, and any workers compensation claims made by you
- to assess or respond to claims, complaints, or conduct, or co-operate with investigations when required
- to obtain professional services as required including legal, human resources, industrial relations, accounting, and insurance services for purposes directly related to all the above
- otherwise as permitted or required by law, or otherwise with your consent.
AKG will not disclose personal information about employees to any person except in the ordinary operation of business. AKG may disclose client personal information to our:
- technology service providers, including, internet service providers, cloud hosting service providers, software suppliers, maintenance and support service providers, and security services on a confidential basis so that they can provide services to AKG
- external consultants such as legal, human resources, industrial relations, accounting, and insurance; and
- travel agents and suppliers of accommodation and travel services.
Personal information is never shared, sold, rented, or otherwise disclosed outside the company (except as required for any statutory or legal purposes) in ways different to what is described in this Policy.
Prior consent will be obtained from individuals before providing:
- Written work references
- Work reference by telephone
- Any other personal or sensitive information
Access to personal information
Employees may request access to personal information AKG holds about them by contacting their P&C Representative. The employee does not have to provide a reason for requesting access to their own personal information. Where AKG holds information that employees are entitled to access, AKG will endeavour to provide a suitable range of choices as to how it can be accessed (e.g., emailing or mailing it).
If an employee believes that personal information held about them is incorrect, incomplete, or inaccurate, then an amendment may be requested. AKG will consider if the information requires amendment. If AKG does not agree that there are grounds for amendment, then a note will be added to this information stating that the applicant disagrees with it.
Disposal of personal information
Any personal information, collected in the course of pre-employment, current employment, or postemployment, will be de-identified or destroyed if no longer relevant.
Storing of personal information
Angus Knight undertakes to take the reasonable steps necessary to protect personal information it holds from misuse, interference, and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. All personal and sensitive information is securely stored on computer systems which are protected from unauthorised access. Hard copy information is always stored securely in locked filing cabinets in secure access-controlled offices.
If we need to share client electronic data outside the group, we use dedicated networks or encryptions. We will seek client written permission before sharing this information.
All AKG staff must comply with employee confidentiality agreements and the Angus Knight Privacy Policy.
Any questions about this Policy, or any complaint regarding treatment of an employee’s privacy by AKG, should be made in writing to the Privacy Officer:
Privacy Officer
Angus Knight Group
Level 2/10 Bridge St,
Email: info@akgglobal.com.au
Phone: (02) 9259 5555
Sydney NSW 2000
Requests to access personal information should also be addressed to the Privacy Officer.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
AKG will use personal information in accordance with the Privacy Policy under which the personal information was collected. If AKG decides to change the Privacy Policy, AKG will post such changes on its websites, so individuals are always aware of the types of personal information collected, how they are used, and under what circumstances, if any, it is disclosed.
Disclaimer
AKG may change this policy from time to time. Although AKG intends to observe this policy at all times, it is not legally binding on AKG in any way.
5. NON-COMPLIANCE
All employees are expected to comply with the Privacy Policy and any suspected breaches may be investigated. Non-compliance with this policy may result in counselling and/or disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment.
Staff should note that remedies available to the Privacy Commissioner were substantially increased in 2022 and again in 2024 amendments, whereby an individual who breaches the privacy of another may be sentenced to imprisonment.
From 10 June 2025, new Statutory Cause of Action for Serious Invasions of Privacy will apply, where:
Individuals can take legal action against organisations or individuals for serious invasions of privacy. This includes intrusions into personal seclusion or misuse of personal information.
