Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Deb Walker Accounting (ABN 19 117 256 590) is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). As a CPA practice, we are also bound by the strict confidentiality requirements of CPA Australia's professional standards, including APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide our accounting, taxation, and bookkeeping services. This may include:

• Identity information: full name, date of birth, address
• Contact information: phone number, email address
• Financial information: income details, bank statements, investment records, expense records
• Tax identifiers: Tax File Number (TFN), Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Employment information: employer details, payment summaries
• Website enquiries: name, email, phone, message content submitted via our contact form

3. Tax File Number (TFN) Privacy

4. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information:

• Directly from you — when you engage our services, complete forms, or communicate with us
• From third parties — with your consent, from the ATO, financial institutions, employers, or other professionals acting on your behalf
• Through our website — when you submit an enquiry via our contact form

We will not collect sensitive information without your consent, except where required by law.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide accounting, taxation, and bookkeeping services
• Prepare and lodge tax returns and BAS statements
• Communicate with you about your accounts and services
• Meet our legal and regulatory obligations
• Respond to your enquiries

We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

6. Disclosure of Information

We will only disclose your personal information to third parties where:

• You have given your consent
• It is required by law (e.g., ATO, ASIC, or court orders)
• It is necessary for the provision of our services (e.g., liaising with the ATO on your behalf)
• It is required by our professional or regulatory obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes physical security measures for paper records and electronic security measures for digital records, including secure file storage, password protection, and encrypted communications where appropriate.

8. Data Breach Notification

In the event of an eligible data breach as defined under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by law. We have procedures in place to detect, assess, and respond to data breaches promptly.

9. Retention and Destruction

We retain client records for the period required by law and professional standards (generally a minimum of 5 years after the end of the engagement, or 7 years for taxation records). When records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed.

10. Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 1988, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information held by us
• Request correction of any inaccurate or outdated information
• Make a complaint if you believe your privacy has been breached

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at deb@debwalkeraccounting.com.au or call 0409 232 644.

11. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we have handled your personal information, you may lodge a complaint by contacting us directly. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), CPA Australia, or the Tax Practitioners Board.

12. Website and Cookies

This website does not use tracking cookies or analytics tools that collect personal information. The contact form collects only the information you voluntarily provide. We do not track your browsing behaviour on this site.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated revision date.

14. Contact