The Privacy Act 1993
The Privacy Act came into force on 1 July 1993. It relates to the collection, use and disclosure of information. An accounting practice is an agency that collects, uses and discloses information so we are bound to comply with the Act.
The following Principles in the Act should be considered when dealing with clients and their business affairs.
- Information must be collected for a lawful purpose.
- Information must be collected directly from the person concerned, unless:
- It is public information
- The person authorises the collection
- It can be used without identifying anyone
- It is another type of authorised collection under the Act.
- You must make the person aware of your purpose in collecting information and the use it will be put to.
- You must identify yourself and the firm you represent when collecting information.
- Information must be stored correctly to protect it from:
- Loss
- Or misuse
