Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 23 March 2025

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) applies to Simoes Electrical Services Pty Ltd (ABN 15 637 310 215) (“we,” “us,” “our”), an electrical services provider in Australia. We are committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (“Privacy Act”), the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”), and other applicable laws.

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 This Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, disclose, and otherwise handle personal information.
1.2 By accessing our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy.

2. Governing Law

2.1 This Policy is governed by the laws of Australia, particularly the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
2.2 Any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Australia.

3. Collection of Personal Information

3.1 Types of Information
We collect personal information necessary for the provision of our electrical services, which may include:

• Contact Details: Name, phone number, email address, home or business address.

• Service Information: Details of your enquiries, job requests, property access instructions, or other data needed to fulfil your service needs.

• Communication Records: Emails, SMS, call notes or recordings (where lawful), and related attachments.

• Website Usage Data: Cookies, IP addresses, browser type, and analytics data (if you consent via browser settings or as permitted by law).

3.2 Methods of Collection
We generally collect personal information directly from you, such as:

• When you complete a contact form, call, email, or SMS us;

• When you request a quote or engage our electrical services;

• Through service-related communications.
  We may also collect data automatically via our website (e.g., via cookies) and analytics tools if you opt in or as permitted by law.

4. Use of Personal Information

4.1 Purposes
We use your personal information to:

• Provide and schedule our electrical services;

• Send service updates, reminders, and invoices (via email or SMS);

• Respond to enquiries or feedback;

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations;

• Improve our website, internal operations, and customer experience.

4.2 Email vs. SMS Consent

• Email (Implied Consent): When you provide your email address, we may send you service-related communications and limited promotional offers unless you opt out.

• SMS (Explicit Consent): For marketing or promotional SMS, we only send messages where you have expressly opted in. For strictly service-related text messages (e.g., appointment reminders), additional opt-in may not be required.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

5.1 Third Parties
We do not sell or rent personal information. However, we may disclose personal information to:

• Staff & Subcontractors: Who require such data to perform their duties.

• Service Providers: (e.g., job management software, accounting tools) assisting in our internal operations.

• Regulatory Authorities: Where required by law or as necessary to comply with legal obligations.

5.2 No Sharing of SMS Opt-In Data
Phone numbers provided for SMS communications, including opt-in data, are not shared with third-party entities for marketing or promotional purposes. They are used solely for service-related or consented messages.

5.3 International Data Transfers
If we store or process personal information on servers located outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with Australian privacy laws in the event of any such transfer.

5.4 Consent-Based Disclosures
We will seek your consent before disclosing personal information for any purpose not expressly stated in this Policy.

6. Data Security and Retention

6.1 Security Measures
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access. Methods may include password protection, encryption, restricted access, and firewalls. However, no method of transmission or storage is entirely secure.

6.2 Retention Period
We retain personal information only as long as it is required for the purposes stated in this Policy or as mandated by law. For instance, financial records (invoices, payment confirmations) may be kept for 5–7 years in accordance with the ATO and other legal requirements.

7. Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB)

7.1 NDB Scheme Compliance
If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in serious harm, we will comply with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, which involves:

• Promptly notifying affected individuals of the nature of the breach and any recommended mitigation steps;

• Notifying the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if required under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

8. Access and Correction

8.1 Right to Access
You may request access to personal information we hold about you. Where permitted by law, we may decline to provide access, in which case we will give reasons.

8.2 Right to Correction
If your personal information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete, you may request correction. We will take reasonable steps to correct the information where required.

8.3 Request Procedure
All access or correction requests should be made in writing using the contact details in Section 10.

9. Opt-Out / Unsubscribe

9.1 Service-Related Messages
Certain communications (e.g., appointment reminders, job status updates) are essential to delivering our services. Opting out of these purely transactional messages may limit our ability to perform requested services.

9.2 Email Marketing (Implied Consent)
You may opt out of receiving promotional or marketing emails at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link provided or by contacting us directly.

9.3 SMS Marketing (Explicit Consent)
If you have explicitly consented to promotional SMS, you can opt out by replying “STOP” to any message or by contacting us directly.

10. Complaints and Contact Details

10.1 Complaints
If you have concerns or complaints about our handling of personal information, please contact us:

Simoes Electrical Services Pty Ltd (ABN 15 637 310 215)
Website: www.simoeselectrical.com.au
Email: privacy@simoeselectrical.com.au
Phone: 0456 968 684

We aim to:

• Acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days; and

• Investigate & Resolve it within 30 days or advise if more time is needed.

10.2 Escalation
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any revised Policy will be posted on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our services or website after any amendments signifies your acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Disclaimer

This Privacy Policy is intended as general information and does not constitute legal advice. For certainty about your obligations under Australian law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), consult a qualified legal professional.