Privacy

This statement sets out the policy of Bensons Property Group Pty Ltd and its associated entities (“Bensons”) for the collection, storage, maintenance, access and use of personal information, as contemplated in the Federal Privacy Act 1988. The policy applies to all divisions and organisations in Bensons.

General information about privacy and the operation of the Privacy Act 1988 can be found at the Australian Federal Privacy Commissioner's website at www.privacy.org.au

Compliance with the Privacy Act

Bensons is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the National Privacy Principles introduced on 21 December 2001 by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. The National Privacy Principles are a regulative guide on the management of personal information in the private sector. The Principles have been formulated to protect information confidentiality and the privacy of individuals.

To enable Bensons to deliver the best possible service to its clients, customers and investors, hereinafter referred to as "customers", it is necessary for Bensons to collect personal information (i.e. information or an opinion that can identify a person) about existing and potential customers. The type of personal information that is collected will be determined by the nature of the relationship between Bensons and its potential or actual customers.

Collection of Personal Information

At the time personal information is collected, Bensons will take reasonable steps to inform its customers about the purpose for which the information is collected, customer rights to access the information and other matters contemplated in the National Privacy Principles.

Should Bensons seek to disclose information to another organisation, then reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the customer is aware of the organisation or the type of organisation to receive the information.

Generally, Bensons will only collect personal information from its customers unless it is not reasonable or practical or the customer consents to the information being collected from a third party.

Bensons will not actively seek to collect sensitive information (e.g. customer health information, ethnic origin, religious preference). If Bensons does need to seek sensitive information, it will do in accordance with the National Privacy Principles.

What type of Personal Information does Bensons Collect?

Generally, Bensons will collect the following information:

Individual and Company data including, entity name, postal and email address, contact numbers;
Profile of existing and potential purchasers of property and investors;
In relation to financial products issued by Bensons, bank account details and tax file number details; and
Information in relation to other people who come into contact with Bensons.

This is not an exhaustive list as Bensons may be required to collect further information in fulfilment of its service to customers.

Bensons may collect personal information by way of electronic and hard copy enquiry forms and questionnaires, exhibition attendance, inbound and outbound telemarketing campaigns.

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Bensons is committed not to use or disclose personal information that it has collected, other than in the manner contemplated within the National Privacy Principles. In particular, Bensons’ policy is not to use or disclose personal information other than for the purpose for which it was collected or any reasonable secondary purpose. It is Bensons’ policy to obtain its customers' consent before it uses information for a purpose or in a manner different to the purpose for which it was originally collected.

Depending on the circumstances, Bensons may be under a legal obligation to disclose personal information to third parties, such as a law enforcement agency. Bensons will endeavour to disclose this information in accordance with the National Privacy Principles.

In relation to financial products issued by Bensons, Bensons may disclose information obtained in the application form attached to the prospectus, information memorandum or product disclosure statement of the financial product to the advisor, financial services licensee or dealer listed on the application form.

Bensons’ Marketing Activities

It is important for Bensons to maintain contact with its customers and potential customers. That contact may involve the sending of advertising material through the post or by email to existing and potential customers. In these circumstances, it is Bensons' policy to comply with the stated purpose for which personal information was collected. Bensons' existing and potential customers will always have the opportunity to decline to receive further marketing material. If Bensons receives such a request Bensons will update its records appropriately, within a reasonable time.

Distribution of Information

Bensons employs a number of contractors and service providers in the course of its business activities. It is sometimes necessary for Bensons to give its contractors and service providers access to personal information held about its customers in order to complete the service. In these circumstances, it is Bensons' policy to require the contractors or service providers who receive from Bensons personal information about customers to comply with Bensons' privacy policy, which includes compliance with the National Privacy Principles.

Organisations or individuals outside Bensons are required to respect customers' rights to privacy and also to use the information in accordance with Bensons' purposes and directions.

It is Bensons' policy not to sell personal information about existing or potential customers to any organisation.

Security of Personal Information

Bensons will take reasonable steps to protect personal information that it collects from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Secure Servers are used to store customer information which is protected in secure environments by passwords and security access IDs.

Bensons’ employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of any personal information collected. Bensons will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently re-identify personal information if it is no longer needed for any purpose for which the information may be used or disclosed.

Access to and Changing Personal Information

Bensons will, if requested to do so, give existing and potential customers copies of the personal information that Bensons holds about them. Before such information is released, Bensons will require reasonable proof of identity from the enquiring person. Any requests for copies of personal information should be in writing and directed to Bensons' Privacy Officer.

If access to information is to be denied (e.g. if required by law), Bensons will do so in accordance with the National Privacy Principles and also provide reasons for the denial.

If any existing or potential customer wishes to add, update or correct personal information held by Bensons about them, Bensons will do so on receipt of a written request addressed to Bensons' Privacy Officer. This is in keeping with Bensons’ policy to maintain accurate records.

Internet

No data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed secure. As a result, while Bensons endeavours to protect your personal information, it cannot guarantee the security of any personal information you transmit over the Internet or when you access our web sites.

What are Your Rights?

Wherever it is lawful and practicable, customers have the option of not disclosing personal information which may be requested or identifying themselves when entering transactions with Bensons. However, without that information, Bensons may not be able to fulfil customer requests or provide an appropriate level of service.

Customers also have the right to obtain a copy of any personal information relating to them held by Bensons. There are exceptions to this right in prescribed circumstances.

Amendments to Bensons Property Group's Privacy Policy

This policy may be updated and amended from time to time, at Bensons' discretion.

Contacting Bensons Property Group's Privacy Officer

All communications relating to privacy should be addressed to Bensons' Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer Bensons Property Group Pty Ltd
Level 1, 461 Bourke Street
Melbourne , Victoria 3000
Email: compliance@bensonsgroup.com.au
Facsimile: 03 8602 0888
Telephone: 03 8602 0800

Customers are encouraged to contact Bensons should any concerns in relation to their privacy arise.