Commercial, Practical Privacy Law Advice

 

Privacy is an operational and commercial issue — not just a legal one.
SMEs, startups and franchise systems often face:

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• Increasing customer expectations around data protection

• Privacy requirements embedded in supplier, investor or franchise agreements

• Complex data flows across multiple sites or contractors

• Higher reputational risk from data breaches

• Rapid growth without internal compliance teams

• Use of digital platforms, CRMs and AI technology requiring clarity around data handling

 

We provide privacy advice that is clear, actionable and designed to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.

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Our Privacy Law Services

 

We provide end-to-end privacy compliance support, tailored specifically to SME and franchise operating environments.

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Privacy Act & Australian Privacy Principles (APP) Compliance

 

We guide your business through its legal obligations, including:

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• APP compliance reviews

• Internal privacy governance

• Data-handling workflows for multi-site businesses

• Privacy training for owners, managers and franchisees

• Data retention and destruction procedures

• Control of personal information shared with contractors and external service providers

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Privacy Policies & Website Compliance for SMEs & Startups

 

We prepare and review:

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• Website Privacy Policies

• Collection Notices

• Online and digital consent systems

• App and platform privacy documentation

• Cookies and tracking disclosures

• Privacy terms inside franchise or commercial agreements

 

Our policies reflect how your business actually operates — whether physical, digital or both.

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Data Breaches & Incident Response

 

Data breaches require immediate action. We assist with:

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• Assessing privacy breaches and severity

• Implementing the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) process

• Communicating with affected customers

• Reporting to the OAIC where required

• Containment and remediation strategies

• Compliance review of your systems and processes

 

We protect your business against escalating legal and reputational harm.

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Privacy Compliance for Franchisors & Franchisees

 

Privacy compliance in franchise networks is unique.
We assist with:

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• Ensuring consistent privacy practices across the network

• Data-sharing arrangements between franchisors and franchisees

• CRM and marketing database compliance

• Customer data and loyalty programs

• Supplier, software and platform privacy obligations

• Privacy clauses within franchise agreements

• Risk reviews to address inconsistent site practices

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We help networks reduce risk, maintain brand standards and meet contractual obligations.

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Data Sharing, Contractor Access & Confidentiality

 

SMEs and startups rely heavily on third-party platforms and contractors.
We assist with:

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• Data-sharing agreements

• SaaS and technology contracts

• Marketing databases and customer information management

• Confidentiality deeds and NDAs

• Outsourcing and subcontractor data controls

• Privacy terms in franchise documentation

 

We ensure your business or franchise network remains protected at all points of data handling.

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Regulatory Investigations, Complaints & Disputes

 

If your business receives a privacy complaint or inquiry, we help manage:

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• OAIC investigations

• Customer privacy complaints

• APP compliance allegations

• Data misuse or disclosure claims

• Contractual disputes regarding privacy obligations

 

We respond efficiently to protect your commercial position.

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Why SMEs, Startups & Franchise Networks Choose Whelan Lawyers

 

• Deep experience advising fast-growing SMEs and startup organisations

• Clear, practical advice designed for day-to-day, real-world operations

• Strong understanding of franchise systems and operational risk

• Fast response for data breaches and privacy incidents

• Policies and compliance documents tailored to your actual workflows

• Commercial, industry-specific privacy strategies

 

Our goal is to provide privacy law advice that strengthens your business, protects your brand and supports sustainable growth.