1. Introduction
QCMA – Queensland Coal Miners Advocate (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our subscribers, clients, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By accessing our website at www.qcma.com.au, contacting us, or subscribing to our services, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described in this policy.
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2. Information We Collect
We may collect and hold the following types of personal information:

• Full name, address, email address, phone number, and other contact details

• Employment details, including your employer, position, mine site, and roster information

• Payroll and remuneration records (where provided for our Pay Watchdog auditing service)

• Details of workplace incidents, investigations, meetings, and disciplinary matters you seek our assistance with

• Subscription and payment information

• Communications between you and QCMA, including emails, phone call records, and meeting notes

• Website usage data collected via cookies and analytics tools (e.g. IP address, browser type, pages visited)

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3. How We Collect Your Information
We collect personal information directly from you when you:

• Subscribe to one of our protection plans (Essential, Active, or Full Protection)

• Contact us via phone (1300 998 986), email (team@qcma.com.au), or our website

• Request support person or representative services

• Provide payroll or employment documents for review

• Submit an enquiry, complete a form, or interact with our website

We may also collect information from third parties such as your employer, legal representatives, Fair Work Commission, or government agencies, where you have authorised us to do so or where it is otherwise lawful.
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4. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing support person and representative services during workplace meetings, incidents, and investigations

• Representing you in Fair Work Commission proceedings (Full Protection subscribers)

• Conducting pay auditing and review under our Pay Watchdog service

• Managing your subscription and processing payments

• Communicating with you about your matter, our services, and relevant updates

• Improving our services, website, and user experience

• Complying with applicable laws and regulations

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5. Disclosure of Your Information
We may disclose your personal information to:

• Our qualified advocates, support persons, and staff, to the extent necessary to provide our services

• Fair Work Commission or other tribunals, where you have engaged us for representation

• Your employer or their representatives, only with your express consent and as part of providing our services

• Legal advisors, accountants, or other professional service providers engaged by us

• Government or regulatory bodies, where required by law

• Payment processors, for the purposes of managing your subscription

We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We do not disclose personal information to overseas recipients unless required to do so and with your consent.
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6. Data Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes the use of secure digital storage systems, access controls, and encryption where appropriate.
We retain personal information for as long as it is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. When information is no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it.
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7. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect non-identifying usage data. This may include your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
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8. Access and Correction
You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information held by us. To make a request, please contact us at team@qcma.com.au or call 1300 998 986. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the APPs.
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9. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or wish to make a complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in writing at team@qcma.com.au. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days.
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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.
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10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website at www.qcma.com.au. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
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11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
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Phone: 1300 998 986
Email: team@qcma.com.au
Website: www.qcma.com.au
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year