Last updated: 16 September 2026
OrbreNews (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the website https://orbrenews.com/ (the “Site”). We are an independent public resource that provides information about federal, state, territory and local council cost-of-living, energy, housing and transport rebates and grants across Australian metropolitan areas. We are not a government agency and do not process applications on your behalf.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use and disclose personal information in accordance with the *Privacy Act 1988* (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). State and territory privacy laws primarily regulate public-sector agencies; as a private-sector website we are principally governed by the federal Privacy Act (and any applicable exceptions or additional obligations that may apply). We also comply with the *Spam Act 2003* (Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in Schedule 2 of the *Competition and Consumer Act 2010* (Cth) in relation to advertising and marketing.
We may update this policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on the Site. Material changes will be indicated by updating the “Last updated” date.
- Who we are and how to contact us ?
OrbreNews is an independent online guide operated in Australia.
For privacy-related enquiries, access or correction requests, or complaints, contact us at:
Email: ryanandrews@orbrenews.com
- What personal information we collect and hold ?
We collect and hold the following kinds of personal information (information about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable):
– Information you provide directly: name, email address, and any other details you submit via contact forms, newsletter/subscription sign-ups, comments, or feedback.
– Technical and usage information (collected automatically): IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, referring/exit pages, pages viewed, time and date of visits, clickstream data, and approximate location derived from IP address.
– Cookies and similar technologies: information stored or accessed via cookies, pixels, local storage or similar tools (see section 7).
– Advertising and analytics data: aggregated or pseudonymised data related to ad interactions, interest categories, and performance metrics when we or our partners display advertisements for legal products or services.
We do not deliberately collect sensitive information (e.g. health, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal records) unless you voluntarily provide it and we have a lawful basis (usually consent). We do not collect payment card details or process grant applications.
We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities (providing independent rebate information, operating the Site, and related communications and advertising).
- How we collect personal information ?
– Directly from you when you fill in forms, subscribe, contact us, or interact with the Site.
– Automatically through cookies, server logs, analytics tools and similar technologies when you visit or use the Site.
– From third-party service providers (e.g. analytics, hosting, email delivery, advertising platforms) that process data on our behalf or provide aggregated insights.
We collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where practicable, directly from you. We take reasonable steps to notify you of collection (including via this policy and any collection notices on forms).
- Purposes for which we collect, hold, use and disclose personal information
We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information for the following purposes:
– To operate, maintain, improve and personalise the Site and its content (including rebate finders and articles).
– To respond to your enquiries, provide support, and send you newsletters or updates about rebates and related topics (where you have subscribed or reasonably expect such communications).
– To analyse Site usage, diagnose technical issues, and improve user experience.
– To display advertisements for legal products and services (e.g. energy-efficiency products, solar, batteries, home-improvement services, or other lawful consumer goods/services). Advertising is subject to the Australian Consumer Law (must not be misleading or deceptive) and any sector-specific rules (e.g. Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code if applicable to a particular product). We do not advertise illegal products or services.
– To measure advertising performance and deliver relevant ads (including interest-based advertising where permitted).
– To comply with legal obligations, enforce our terms, protect our rights, or respond to lawful requests from authorities.
– For any other purpose to which you consent, or that is otherwise permitted under the APPs (including secondary purposes that are related and within reasonable expectations).
We do not sell personal information. We may disclose personal information to:
– Service providers who help us operate the Site (hosting, analytics, email services, advertising networks, content delivery) under contractual obligations to protect the information.
– Professional advisers or in connection with a business transfer (merger, sale of assets, etc.).
– Law enforcement or regulators where required or authorised by law.
- Overseas disclosure
Some of our service providers (e.g. cloud hosting, analytics or advertising platforms) may be located overseas or process data outside Australia. Countries may include the United States, European Economic Area countries, and others where major technology providers operate.
Where we disclose personal information to an overseas recipient, we take reasonable steps to ensure the recipient does not breach the APPs in relation to the information (APP 8), or we rely on another permitted exception. By using the Site you acknowledge that overseas recipients may not be subject to the same privacy laws as Australia.
- How we hold and protect personal information
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes technical measures (encryption in transit where appropriate, access controls, secure hosting) and organisational measures.
We retain personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. When no longer required, we take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it.
- Cookies, analytics and advertising technologies
We and our partners use cookies and similar technologies to:
– Enable essential Site functionality.
– Remember preferences.
– Analyse traffic and usage (e.g. via tools such as Google Analytics or similar).
– Deliver and measure advertisements for legal products and services, including interest-based advertising.
You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Blocking certain cookies may affect Site functionality. For more detail on third-party advertising and analytics practices, refer to the privacy policies of those providers. We encourage the use of browser tools or industry opt-out mechanisms for interest-based advertising where available.
- Direct marketing and electronic communications
Where we use personal information for direct marketing (e.g. newsletters), we do so in accordance with APP 7 and the *Spam Act 2003*. You can opt out at any time via the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us. We will process opt-out requests promptly.
- Access, correction and other rights
Under the Privacy Act you may request access to the personal information we hold about you and request correction if it is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.
To make a request, contact us using the details in section 1. We will respond within a reasonable time and may need to verify your identity. In some cases we may refuse a request (and will tell you why, subject to the Act).
You may also have rights under applicable state/territory laws if they apply in a particular context, or under other legislation.
- Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or this policy, please contact us first using the details in section 1. We will investigate and respond as soon as practicable.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Online complaint form available on the OAIC website.
- Children
The Site is not directed at children under 15. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 15 without appropriate parental/guardian involvement. If you believe we have collected such information, contact us so we can delete it.
- Third-party websites and advertising
The Site may contain links to third-party websites (including government rebate portals) or display advertisements from third parties for legal products and services. Those third parties have their own privacy policies and practices. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Always review the privacy policy of any site you visit or any advertiser you engage with. Advertisements on our Site must comply with Australian law (including the ACL requirement that they not be misleading or deceptive).
- Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy (where permitted by law).
- Further information
For more information about privacy in Australia, visit the OAIC website: https://www.oaic.gov.au.
This policy is provided for transparency and compliance purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. If you require advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer.