Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Melbourne Marriage Office (operated by Withers XYZ Pty Ltd as trustee for the Snow Withers Trust) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.

This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and protect your personal information when you use our marriage services or interact with our website.

For privacy enquiries, please contact: [email protected]

What Information We Collect

As required by the Marriage Act 1961, we collect personal information including:

Names and contact details
Birth dates and places
Identification documents
Previous marriage details (if applicable)
Parent information
Residency/citizenship status
Statutory declarations where required
Witness information
Marriage documentation
NAATI interpreter details (if required)

How We Collect Information

We collect information:

Through our Notice of Intended Marriage forms
Via our website booking forms
During in-person, phone, or video meetings
Through email correspondence
From identity documents
Through required legal documentation
Via secure online platforms

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

Process your Notice of Intended Marriage
Conduct legal marriage services
Register marriages with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
Provide certificates and documentation
Communicate about your marriage service
Comply with legal obligations
Process payments
Arrange additional services as requested

Disclosure of Information

As required by law, we provide marriage documentation to:

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
Australian Bureau of Statistics (non-identifying information only)
Other government agencies as legally required
Department of Home Affairs (where required)

We may also share information with:

Our authorised celebrants
Approved witnesses (when arranged through our service)
NAATI-certified interpreters (when required and arranged through our service)
Victorian registration authorities

Security of Your Information

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information, including:

Secure storage of physical documents
Password protection of electronic files
Limited staff access to personal information
Secure transmission of electronic data
Regular security updates
Encrypted data storage
Secure Melbourne CBD office facilities

Access to Your Information

You can request access to your personal information by contacting our Melbourne office. We will provide access unless restricted by law.

Required Information

Under the Marriage Act 1961, certain information must be provided to proceed with marriage services. We cannot conduct marriages without required documentation.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes take effect immediately upon posting to our website.

Complaints

Privacy complaints can be directed to:

Email: [email protected]
Mail: [Melbourne Office Address]
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Consumer Affairs Victoria (where applicable)

Website Usage

Our website collects minimal information required to process bookings and enquiries. We use secure hosting and encryption but do not use cookies or tracking tools beyond what is necessary for basic website functionality.

Third-Party Services

Payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers subject to their own privacy policies. All providers comply with Australian privacy laws and payment security standards.

Additional Privacy Considerations

International Couples

Special handling of international documentation
Secure storage of translated documents
Privacy-compliant communication with overseas authorities
Secure handling of international identification

Document Storage

Secure physical storage in our Melbourne facility
Electronic backup with encryption
Limited access protocols
Compliance with Victorian retention requirements

Data Protection

Regular security audits
Staff privacy training
Secure disposal procedures
Incident response protocols

Victorian Privacy Framework

We comply with:

Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014
Health Records Act 2001 (where applicable)
Victorian protective data security standards
Local government privacy requirements

Professional Standards

We maintain membership with:

Marriage Celebrants Professional Associations
Victorian business networks
Professional privacy organisations
Industry security groups

Last updated: January 2025

Contact Information

For all privacy-related matters, please contact our Melbourne office:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: [Melbourne Office Phone]
Address: [Melbourne Office Address]
Hours: Monday to Sunday by appointment

We aim to respond to all privacy enquiries within 2 business days.