Privacy Policy

Interstate Builders LicencesLast updated: [DATE]

1. Who We Are

Interstate Builders Licences ("IBL", "we", "us", "our") is a sole trader business operated by [FULL LEGAL NAME], ABN [ABN], trading as Interstate Builders Licences.We are a private application preparation service. We advise on, prepare and check builder licence applications for Queensland and New South Wales.We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Building Commission NSW, or any other regulator.If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at:Email: hello@interstatebuilderslicence.com.au
Phone: [PHONE]
Postal address: [POSTAL ADDRESS]

2. About This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, who we may disclose it to, how we protect it, how long we keep it, and how you can access or correct your information or make a complaint.As a small business with an annual turnover of less than $3 million, we are generally exempt from the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). However, we have chosen to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles voluntarily because our clients trust us with sensitive information about their working lives and finances.Where this policy states an obligation, we treat ourselves as bound by it.We also comply with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) in relation to commercial electronic messages and the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 (Cth) in relation to telemarketing. These obligations apply to us regardless of our turnover.

3. What Information We Collect

Information You Provide Through Our Website

When you complete our pre-approval check, we may collect:Your first and last namePhone numberEmail addressThe state you want to be licensed inYour answers to eligibility questions, including information about your qualifications, work experience and ability to provide evidence of that experienceInformation about your financial record-keepingInformation about whether you have been bankrupt, had a company placed into liquidation, or had a licence refused, suspended or cancelledYour preferred call timeAny message or other information you choose to provide

Information You Provide as a Client

If you engage us, we collect the information reasonably required to prepare your application.Depending on your circumstances and the licence class you are applying for, this may include:Identity documentsQualification certificates and transcriptsEmployment historyProject and job recordsContracts and invoicesPlans and site photographsReferee names and contact detailsFinancial information, including turnover, assets and liabilitiesAccountant-prepared reports

Sensitive Information

Some licence applications require disclosure of criminal history, bankruptcy or insolvency history, or disciplinary findings.Criminal record information is considered sensitive information under the Australian Privacy Principles. We collect this information only where it is directly necessary to prepare your application and only with your express consent.We will not use or disclose sensitive information for any other purpose.If you would prefer to provide sensitive material directly to the relevant regulator rather than to us, you can tell us and we will structure your application accordingly.

Information Collected Automatically

Our website is hosted by Squarespace, which may record standard technical information such as IP addresses, browser type and pages visited.We do not currently use advertising pixels, remarketing tags or third-party analytics on our website.If this changes, we will update this Privacy Policy before introducing those services.

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use personal information to:Assess whether you are likely to be eligible for a builder licence and explain our findings to youContact you about your enquiry at the time you have requestedPrepare and check your builder licence applicationAnswer your questions and provide support throughout the application processIssue invoices and maintain the financial and tax records we are legally required to keepComply with our legal obligationsWe do not sell, rent, trade or exchange personal information.We do not use your personal information to create advertising profiles.

5. Marketing

We will only send you marketing emails if you have expressly asked to receive them.Completing our pre-approval check or becoming a client does not automatically subscribe you to a marketing list.Every marketing message we send will clearly identify us and include a working unsubscribe option.If you unsubscribe, we will process your request promptly and, in any event, within five business days.Unsubscribing from marketing communications will not affect communications relating to a matter we are actively working on for you.

6. Who We Share Your Information With

We do not disclose your personal information to third parties for their own purposes.We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

To the Regulator

We prepare applications, but you submit them in your own name.Where we assist with material that is provided to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Building Commission NSW or another regulator, this is done with your knowledge and on your instructions.

To Referees You Nominate

With your consent, we may contact referees you have nominated to obtain statements or other information supporting your application.

To Our Service Providers

We use Squarespace to host our website and Google Workspace to store files and correspondence.These providers process information on our behalf under their own security and privacy commitments.Some of their infrastructure is located outside Australia, including in the United States. By providing information to us, you acknowledge that your information may be stored on servers outside Australia and that overseas recipients may not be subject to Australian privacy laws.

Where Required by Law

We may disclose your information where required or authorised by law, including in response to a court order, subpoena, or lawful request from a regulator or law enforcement agency.We do not disclose client information to accountants, training organisations or other advisers unless you ask us to or it forms part of an application step that you have instructed us to undertake.

7. Storage and Security

Your information is stored in Google Workspace and protected by account credentials and multi-factor authentication.Enquiry submissions from our website are stored in a private spreadsheet accessible only to us.We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.However, no method of transmitting information over the internet or storing information electronically is completely secure. We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security.If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will investigate promptly, notify affected individuals and notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner where required.

8. How Long We Keep Your Information

We keep enquiry information for two years from your last contact with us, unless you ask us to delete it sooner.We keep client files for seven years after the relevant matter concludes. This reflects the period during which questions about a licence application may arise, as well as our obligations under Australian tax and business record-keeping laws.After these periods, we will destroy or de-identify the information unless we are legally required to retain it for longer.

9. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You can ask us for a copy of the personal information we hold about you.You can also ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete.To make a request, contact us using the details provided in Section 1.We will respond within 30 days.There is no charge for making a request.If we refuse access to your information or refuse to make a requested correction, we will explain the reasons in writing and tell you how you can make a complaint.You can also ask us to delete your personal information. We will do so unless we are legally required to retain it. If we need to retain certain information, we will explain what we are keeping and why.

10. Complaints

If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, please contact us first using the details provided in Section 1.Please explain what happened and what outcome you are seeking.We will acknowledge your complaint within five business days and provide a written response within 30 days.If you are not satisfied with our response, you can make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.Website: oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.The current version will always be available on our website, with the date of the latest update shown at the top of the policy.If we make a change that materially affects how we handle personal information we already hold about you, we will notify you directly.

12. Cookies

Our website uses only the cookies set by Squarespace that are necessary for the website to function and remain secure.We do not currently use advertising or tracking cookies.You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. However, doing so may cause some parts of the website to stop working properly.