Privacy Policy
At Agnes Banks Equine Clinic (ABEC) we are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you engage with our equine veterinary ambulatory services, hospital care, and surgical facilities.
1. What Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide veterinary services and operate efficiently. This may include:
Personal Information
Full name
Residential or business address
Telephone number(s)
Email address
Emergency contact details
Payment and billing details
Insurance information (if applicable)
Animal Information
Horse name, breed, sex, age
Ownership details
Veterinary history and treatment records
Microchip, registration or brand identification
Insurance or performance-related information
Digital and Communication Information (if applicable)
IP address (if interacting with our website)
Appointment bookings
Enquiry forms
Communication preferences
2. How We Collect Your Information
We may collect information:
Directly from you during consultations or bookings (in-person, phone, or online)
Through our website or email correspondence
From third parties (e.g., other veterinary providers, farriers, trainers) with your consent
From diagnostic laboratories or insurance companies as required for your horse’s care
3. Why We Collect Your Information
We use your personal and animal-related information to:
Provide routine and emergency veterinary care, including ambulatory, in-hospital, and surgical services
Contact you about your horse’s care and progress
Manage your account and process payments
Submit claims to insurers (at your request)
Meet regulatory obligations and maintain accurate veterinary records
Send service reminders, updates, or promotional communications (only with your consent)
4. Disclosure of Information
We only disclose your personal information where it is:
Necessary for delivering veterinary services (e.g., referrals, diagnostic labs)
Required or authorised by law
Permitted with your consent
Needed for insurance claims or regulatory compliance
We may disclose information to:
Other veterinary specialists or hospitals
Pathology and diagnostic imaging services
Insurers (with your authorisation)
Government or regulatory bodies such as state veterinary boards
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps may include:
Secure password-protected practice management systems
Locked physical storage for paper records
Staff training in privacy and confidentiality
Regular system and data backups
If we become aware of a notifiable data breach, we will comply with our obligations under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme and notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
6. Access and Correction
You have the right to:
Access the personal information we hold about you
Request corrections to inaccurate, out-of-date, or incomplete information
Requests can be made by contacting us in writing (see contact details below). We may ask you to verify your identity before granting access or making changes. In some cases, a reasonable fee may apply.
7. Retention of Information
We retain veterinary records for the minimum period required under applicable laws and regulations (generally 7+ years). When no longer required, your information is securely destroyed or de-identified.
8. Cookies and Website Use
Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to enhance user experience and monitor site performance. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though some features may not function properly.
9. Complaints and Concerns
If you have a privacy concern or wish to make a complaint, please contact us using the details below. We take complaints seriously and will investigate and respond promptly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
🌐 www.oaic.gov.au
📞 1300 363 992
10. Contact Us
Agnes Banks Equine Clinic
📧 reception@abec.net.au
📞 020 4588 5200
📍 5 Price Lane, Agnes Banks, NSW, 2753
🌐 https://www.abec.net.au
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or practice operations. The most current version will be available on our website https://www.abec.net.au/privacy-page or by request.