Australian Language & Speech Services is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who visit our site or use our online platform and services. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and, where relevant, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you interact with our site or services. This may include information provided when you enquire about or register for our services, participate in programs or workshops, complete forms, or communicate with us. The types of personal information collected may include your name, contact details, and other information relevant to providing our services.
Given the nature of our services, we may also collect sensitive information, such as health information related to speech, language, or communication needs. We will only collect sensitive information with your explicit consent and where it is reasonably necessary for or directly related to the provision of our services or where otherwise permitted by law.
We may also automatically collect certain information when you visit our site, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the dates/times of your visits. This information is generally non-identifying and is used to improve the functionality and content of our online platform.
Use of Personal Information
We use your personal information for the primary purpose for which it was collected, which is to provide our speech pathology and language therapy services, programs, workshops, and courses. This includes assessment, diagnosis, therapy planning and delivery, communication with you regarding your services, managing your account, and processing payments.
We may also use your information for purposes including: - Responding to your enquiries and requests. - Administering and improving our online platform and services. - Internal record keeping and administrative purposes. - Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. - Sending you information about our services or upcoming events that may be of interest, where you have consented to receive such communications.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your personal information to third parties only in limited circumstances, such as: - To service providers who assist us in operating our business and providing our services (e.g., IT support, platform hosting). These third parties are subject to confidentiality obligations. - With your explicit consent, for example, sharing information with other healthcare professionals involved in your care. - Where required or authorised by law, such as in response to a court order or legal process. - In the event of a restructure or sale of all or part of our business, provided that the recipients agree to treat your personal information in a manner consistent with this policy.
We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, interference, and loss, as well as from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. We employ physical, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no data transmission over the internet or data storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, and comply with our legal and professional obligations. When personal information is no longer required for these purposes, we take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it.
Your Rights
Under applicable privacy laws, you may have rights concerning your personal information. These may include the right to: - Request access to the personal information we hold about you. - Request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date personal information we hold about you. - Request the erasure of your personal information in certain circumstances. - Object to the processing of your personal information. - Request restriction of processing of your personal information. - Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. - Lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our site may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse site usage, and for marketing purposes. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of the site may become inaccessible or not function properly.
International Data Transfers
Some of the third parties we use to provide our services may be located outside of Australia. Where personal information is transferred to recipients in other countries, we take steps to ensure that the transfer complies with applicable privacy laws and that your personal information is adequately protected.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time by posting a revised version on our site. The updated policy will be effective as of the date it is posted. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our privacy practices, or if you wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at the following address:
Australian Language & Speech Services
345 Collins Street
Level 10
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Australia