Search
Close this search box.
28 January 2014

Accountants and financial advisers need to take immediate action to comply with new privacy and credit regulations

The privacy legislation has been completely rewritten and new rules will apply from 12 March 2014.

The privacy legislation has been completely rewritten and new rules will apply from 12 March 2014. There are two major aspects of the reforms that will impact on accounting and other professional services firms. A failure to comply with the new rules may result in penalties of up to $1.7 million for corporations and $340,000 for individuals.

Advisers now caught by new ‘credit provider’ rules

Amendments to the Privacy Act extend the concept of ‘credit providers’ to include businesses that allow clients more than seven days to pay invoices. This means virtually every accounting and professional service firm will now be caught as a credit provider.

You need to take steps now to comply with the new rules, including having a separate policy on how you manage credit information.

Click here for more information on the credit reporting reforms

Update your privacy policy

To comply with the new rules, most practices that have an annual turnover over $3 million will need to update their privacy policy and provide privacy statements.

Click here for more information on privacy obligations

If you need more information or assistance in relation to these changes, please contact Alex Clifton-Jones on (07) 3231 2932 or one of our team.

 

Like this article? Share it via:

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please let us know.

Stay up to date with CGW

Subscribe to our interest lists to receive legal alerts, articles, event invitations and offers.

Key contacts

Scott-Hay-Bartlem
Scott Hay-Bartlem
Partner

Areas of expertise

Read next