Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Merit Technology Pty Ltd (ABN registered, GST registered) ("Merit Technology", "we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information we collect, hold, use, and disclose in the course of our business operations.

This Privacy Policy explains how we manage personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It applies to all personal information collected by Merit Technology in connection with our software products, professional services, client engagements, and business operations.

By engaging Merit Technology or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information in accordance with this policy.

2. About Merit Technology

Merit Technology Pty Ltd is an Australian technology company providing software solutions, systems integration, business analysis, and technical support services to local government, public sector, and commercial clients across Australia and the Pacific region. Our registered office is located at LVL 1 West Wing, 608 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004.

3. What is Personal Information?

Personal information is any information or opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information is true or not and whether recorded in material form or not.

The types of personal information Merit Technology may collect include:

  • Names, job titles, and contact details (email addresses, phone numbers, postal addresses)
  • Account credentials and system access information
  • Employment-related information for personnel of client organisations
  • Information provided in the course of support requests, project communications, or consultations
  • Technical and usage data relating to systems Merit Technology develops or maintains
  • Financial information such as billing contacts and invoice details

Merit Technology does not intentionally collect sensitive information (such as health information, racial or ethnic origin, or financial account details beyond what is necessary for billing purposes) unless specifically required for a contracted engagement and with appropriate consent.

4. How We Collect Personal Information

Merit Technology collects personal information in the following ways:

Directly from individuals

  • When clients, prospective clients, or their representatives contact us by phone, email, or in person
  • When individuals engage with our services, sign agreements, or participate in project activities
  • When individuals submit support requests or correspondence to any Merit Technology staff member

In the course of service delivery

  • When performing systems integration, development, or technical support work that requires access to client systems or data
  • Through communications between Merit Technology staff and client personnel during the delivery of contracted services

From third parties

  • From client organisations who provide us with contact details for their staff or stakeholders for the purposes of a project
  • From publicly available sources where relevant to our business activities

5. How We Use Personal Information

Merit Technology uses personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected, or for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect. These purposes include:

  • Delivering contracted software, integration, and professional services
  • Communicating with clients and their representatives regarding project delivery, support, and billing
  • Managing our business relationships, including invoicing and payment administration
  • Responding to support requests, complaints, or enquiries
  • Improving our services and internal processes
  • Meeting our legal and regulatory obligations

Merit Technology will not use personal information for direct marketing purposes without the prior consent of the individual.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

Merit Technology does not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may disclose personal information in the following limited circumstances:

  • To subcontractors or third-party service providers engaged to assist in delivering contracted services, where those parties are bound by equivalent confidentiality and privacy obligations
  • To our professional advisers including lawyers, accountants, and insurers, on a need-to-know basis
  • Where required or authorised by law, including in response to a valid court order or regulatory requirement
  • With the consent of the individual to whom the information relates

7. Overseas Disclosure

Merit Technology operates primarily within Australia. Where personal information may be disclosed to parties located outside Australia (for example, where cloud infrastructure, development tools, or subcontractors are located overseas), we take reasonable steps to ensure the overseas recipient handles that information in accordance with the APPs or an equivalent standard of protection.

8. Storage and Security of Personal Information

Merit Technology takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:

  • Access controls limiting system and data access to authorised personnel only
  • Use of secure, password-protected systems and communications
  • Physical security measures at our premises
  • Staff awareness of privacy and data handling obligations

Client data accessed during the course of a contracted engagement is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the contracted work. Upon completion of an engagement, Merit Technology will return or destroy client data in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreement or upon the client's written request.

9. Access and Correction

Individuals have the right to request access to personal information Merit Technology holds about them, and to request correction of any information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading.

Requests for access or correction should be directed in writing to support@merit.com.au. Merit Technology will respond to such requests within a reasonable timeframe and in any event within thirty (30) calendar days. In some circumstances, we may be unable to provide access — for example, where doing so would unreasonably impact the privacy of another individual, or where the information is subject to legal professional privilege. Where access is refused, we will provide written reasons.

10. Privacy Complaints

If you believe Merit Technology has handled your personal information in a manner inconsistent with this policy or the Australian Privacy Principles, you may lodge a complaint by contacting us directly at support@merit.com.au.

We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within five (5) business days and aim to resolve it within thirty (30) calendar days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.

11. Updates to This Policy

Merit Technology may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our business practices, legal obligations, or regulatory guidance. The current version of this policy will be made available to clients upon request and will be maintained internally.

We encourage clients and individuals to periodically review this policy. Continued engagement with Merit Technology following notification of any material changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia, and is subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Merit Technology Pty Ltd
LVL 1 West Wing, 608 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
support@merit.com.au