Privacy Policy

1. Purpose

Hawthorne Civil Group is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information entrusted to us by employees, contractors, clients, website users, and other stakeholders. We treat personal information with respect and integrity in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect both employee data and data collected through our digital platforms, including our website.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all directors, employees, contractors, and third parties who provide or handle personal information on behalf of Hawthorne Civil Group. It covers information collected through employment, business operations, and online interactions.

3. Definition of Personal Information

Personal information is any information or opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether true or not and whether recorded in a material form or not. This includes details such as names, addresses, contact information, employment records, and digital identifiers such as IP addresses.

Sensitive information, such as health data, racial or ethnic origin, trade union membership, or criminal records, will only be collected and used in compliance with the law and with consent, unless otherwise authorised.

4. Collection of Information

We collect personal information in several ways:

  • Directly from individuals, such as through employment applications, payroll documentation, or website forms.

  • Indirectly from third parties such as referees, service providers, analytics tools, and publicly available sources.

  • Automatically through our website, using cookies, browser information, and tools such as Google Analytics to track site usage and improve digital services.

Employee records are maintained in both electronic and paper format, including application details, contracts, payroll information, superannuation forms, and performance records.

5. Use and Disclosure of Information

We use personal information to:

  • Administer employment, payroll, training, and workplace relations.

  • Provide and improve our services, both onsite and online.

  • Communicate with employees, clients, and stakeholders.

  • Undertake business planning, research, reporting, and compliance activities.

  • Protect the lawful interests of Hawthorne Civil Group.

Personal information may be disclosed to:

  • Service providers and professional advisers engaged by Hawthorne Civil Group.

  • Government agencies, regulators, and law enforcement authorities, as required by law.

  • Other parties with your consent, or where disclosure would reasonably be expected in the context of our relationship.

6. Digital Data and Website Use

When using our website, we may collect:

  • Device and browser information, including IP address and access times.

  • Site usage data through cookies, which help us improve the website experience.

  • Analytics data, including demographic and interest reporting from Google Analytics,which may be used to refine content and services.

Users can adjust browser settings to refuse cookies, however this may affect site functionality.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to safeguard personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards such as secure systems, controlled access, and staff training.

8. Access and Correction

Individuals are entitled to request access to personal information held about them and request corrections where information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date. We may require proof of identity before providing access. Requests will be handled within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the APPs.

9. Complaints

If you have a concern or complaint about how Hawthorne Civil Group has handled your personal information, please contact us at admin@hawthornecivil.com. We will investigate and respond promptly.

10. Continuous Improvement

Hawthorne Civil Group is committed to continually improving our privacy practices to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to meet community expectations. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as required.

Review Date: 19 August 2026