Ausinet reserves the right to change the terms and conditions in this Student handbook at any time and without prior notice; changes made affect any and all prospective, current and future students. The latest information is posted below.

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

1. Access & Equity Policy

Ausinet’s Management and staff desired learning outcomes. The RTO is committed to providing training and assessment services to all clients regardless of race, religion, sex, socio-language, literacy or numeracy. Special client needs will be identified through initial contact with reception and enrolment staff, receipt of application materials, and orientation events prior to the commencement of training and or assessment. All of the RTO’s staff must do an assessment.

2. Enrolment Policy

Ausinet’s Management and staff are committed to determining client needs through initial contact and interview and providing services to meet those needs. The RTO’s staff will provide timely and accurate advice to all potential and enrolling Learners. The RTO’s staff and management will at all times respond in a responsible manner to all reasonable requests for information about The RTO’s Training and Assessment services.

Enrolment Procedures

On receiving initial contact by a potential or enrolling Learner the RTO’s staff shall enquire concerning any specific needs (LL&N) and ensure that the Learner is following course information.

• Course Brochure
• Enrolment Form with terms and conditions
• Enrolment Information Form relevant to their course enquiry with Learner rights and obligations

The RTO’s Management determines the amount of training they provide to each learner with regard to:

• the existing skills, knowledge and experience of the learner
• the mode of delivery
• where a full qualification is not being delivered, the number of units and/or modules being delivered as a proportion of the full

On receiving a request for information concerning RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) the RTO’s staff shall send the ‘RPL Application Form’ and provide with information about the process of RPL.

The Enrolling officer must ensure that the RTO’s terms and conditions of enrolment are understood and agreed to by the Learner

The RTO’s enrolment process must include the sourcing and validation of a Unique Student Identifier (USI) from the USI Registrar in accordance with the requirements of the Student Identifiers Act 2014. The procedures for the sourcing and verification of a Unique Student Identifier (USI) will include:

• Verifying with the Registrar a Student Identifier provided to the RTO by an individual before using that Student Identifier for any purpose
• Ensuring that the RTO will not issue AQF certification documentation to an individual without being in receipt of a verified Student Identifier for that individual unless an exemption applies under the Student Identifier Act
• Ensuring that where an exemption described in Clause 3.6 (b) applies, the Enrolment officer will inform the student prior to either the completion of the enrolment or commencement of training and assessment, whichever occurs first, that the results of the training will not be accessible through the Commonwealth and will not appear on any authenticated VET transcript prepared by the Registrar and
• Ensuring the security of Student Identifiers and all related documentation under its control, including information stored in the RTO’s student management systems.

Within the enrolment process, the following fee information must be provided to each Learner

• All relevant fee information including fees that must be paid to the RTO
• Payment terms and conditions including deposits and refunds
• The learner’s rights as a consumer, including but not limited to any statutory cooling-off period, if one applies
• The learner’s right to obtain a refund for services not provided by the RTO in the event if the arrangement is terminated early or the RTO fails to provide the services

Students identifying learner support needs will be required to undertake an LL&N test. LL&N test results must be provided to the Training Coordinator for review prior to the confirmation of enrolment. All Learners enrolled at the RTO have access to their own records that relate to their current progress or past training and assessment records. Learners may contact reception during office hours and may request a copy of their Learner records.

All acceptances of enrolment will be accompanied with details of the relevant Course commencement.

Learner Engagement and Enrolment Review Procedures

Following each completed enrolment, the enrolling officer shall send (via mail or email) an Enrolment Survey Form to each enrolled Learner and request the completion of the form. Where a completed form is received by the RTO, the form will be reviewed by the Training Coordinator and forwarded to the RTO’s management meeting for review. All actions taken to improve client services and enrolment processes will be recorded in the RTO’s management meeting minutes.

These assessments are exam papers and you do not have permission to download, print, distribute or reproduce them in any manner. These assessments are for educational purposes only and exclusively for the use of AUSINET students.

Important information for online courses:

A soft copy of the learner resource book or lecture notes is free, and we will provide it as a Google Drive link only and not as a PDF.
If you require a hard copy, a printing charge of $150 for each copy and a $100 binding charge per copy will be collected from the student.
Australian standards cannot be printed due to copyright restrictions but are available for borrowing for the duration of the course with a refundable deposit of $250 per copy. Soft copies are free to use on Ausinet laptops while in class.

3. Unique Student Identifier (USI)

The Unique Student Identifier or USI is a reference number made up of 10 numbers and letters that:

• creates a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications gained in Australia, even from different training organisations
• will give you access to your training records and transcripts
• can be accessed online, anytime and anywhere
• is free and easy to create and
• stays with you for life

If you are a new or continuing student undertaking nationally recognised training and course you need a USI in order to receive your qualification or statement of attainment. If you don’t have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment.

Your USI will give you access to an online record of the training you have done since 1 January 2015. You will also be able to produce a comprehensive transcript of your training.

This can be used when applying for a job, seeking a credit transfer or demonstrating pre-requisites when undertaking further training.

If you are an international student studying offshore and do not have an Australian passport, Australian entry visa or other Australian proof of ID required to create a USI, you do not need a USI.

If you are a New Zealand citizen you cannot apply for a USI while overseas. You will require a USI if you undertake a VET course in Australia, and you will be able to apply for a USI once you have entered Australia on your NZ passport.

However, if you are an Australian expat or resident and have an Australian ID, you need a USI even if you do the VET course while outside Australia.

4. Course Fees

Fees are dependent on the selected course. The fees for each course are available on the website or can be emailed after contacting the staff. Once you have selected the course more accurate information can be provided about the different charges. We accept payment by credit card, Paypal or bank transfer.

The enrolment fees should be paid 7 days in advance before the commencement of the course. The remaining fees are to be paid progressively over the duration of the course. All course fees must be paid in full before the Certificate of attainment can be issued.

The course fees include $250 of non-refundable enrolment/admin fee. The enrolment/admin fee is included in the course fee and is not charged on top of the course fee. For example, if the course fee on the website is $1000 for a particular course, then the enrolment/admin fee would be $250 which will be charged if you cancel out of the course commencement and you would get a refund of $750.

Ausinet does not collect more than $1500 per learner in prepaid fees

5. Enrolment Terms

Entry to the course requires you to be 18 years of age. Students must attach a copy of their transcript of previous academic studies, Driver’s License/Passport/Citizenship, during enrolment so the admin staff can verify before admission to the course.

6. Refunds Policy

Course Fees, Payments and Refunds

1. Please refer to the course information on course fees, including any required deposit; administration fees;
   materials fees and any other charges (if applicable).

2. Certificates and Statements of Attainment are issued to students who are assessed as competent in the units completed.

3. Refunds may be made in the following circumstances:

• Participants enrolled in training that has been cancelled by the RTO.
• Participant withdraws within (7) days prior to commencement of the course all fees paid in advance
  will be refunded minus the enrolment fee of $250.
• No refunds will be granted from the date of the commencement of course, with the exception of
  students who enrol into one of our online courses who have 3 days from the date of enrolment to
  apply for a refund minus the enrolment fee of $250
• No refunds will be granted if you continue to stay enrolled in the course.

4. Refunds must be requested in writing within 7 days from course enrolment.

5. If approved, refunds will be processed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 14 days after the request has been
received minus the enrolment fee.

6. Students are responsible for the safe storage of their Certificates and Statements of Attainment. If a student
requires a reissue of their Certificate or Statement of Attainment, a certificate re-issue fee of $80 will be
charged.

7. If a student is deemed not yet competent on completion of training, they will be offered an opportunity to be
reassessed. If a student is deemed not yet competent a second time, they will be given another opportunity for
reassessment.

8. If a student is required to be reassessed, they will be provided with further guidance from their trainer prior to
reassessment. In most cases there will be no reassessment fee. If a reassessment fee is applicable, this fee will
be included on the course flyer. If a student is deemed competent in some but not all the units of competencies
required, a Statement of Attainment will be issued and the student will be given a six-month period to undertake
reassessment if required.

9. The Student will not be entitled to be issued with a qualification until he has paid the course fee in full and will
not be entitled to be issued with a statement of attainment for a module unit until he has paid all fees in respect
of that module. The student will remain liable for unpaid instalments even if he has finished the course early.

10. If the student fails to pay the fees we reserve the right to notify the relevant credit agency about the default

NAT NON REFUNDABLE FEES

(a) Lighthouse access fees – $500 per annum and on the anniversary of enrolment and each year thereafter in which the OTSR holder continues to be registered in the course.
(b) Non-refundable admin Fee – $592.50.

USER CHOICE STUDENT CO-CONTRIBUTION FEES

(a) Full Refunds for Training Delivery Not Commenced:
In the event an apprentice/trainee either cancels their training contract or nominates to change to another SRTO, students are entitled to a full refund of the student contribution fees charged for the training that has not yet started. A refund request won’t be required as this will be processed automatically on cancellation.
(b) Proportionate Refunds for Unit of Competency/Module Withdrawal:
If a participant decides to withdraw from a unit of competency/module after the training has commenced, 50% of the fee will be refunded. A refund request won’t be required as this will be processed automatically on cancellation.

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION FEES

Where an Employer has paid a contribution fee to the RTO, this will be refunded in part or in whole as agreed with each Employer in the Employer Co-contribution Fee Agreement.

CERTIFICATE 3 GUARANTEE/VET INVEST CO-CONTRIBUTION FEE

In the event a student cancels their training, co-contribution fees will be reimbursed for any unit of competency not yet commenced.

7. Recognition Of Prior Learning

Ausinet is committed to providing up-to-date and relevant Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) information to all students at enrolment and whilst enrolled. The RTO’s staff will provide support and guidance regarding RPL and Credit Transfer enquiries in a timely manner.

RPL Procedures

On receipt of a RPL enquiry, RTO staff will direct the potential RPL client or enrolled student to the RPL application pack available from the Training Coordinator.

The Training Coordinator will ensure that the RPL application pack contains accurate advice concerning the RPL process, cost and RPL assessment pathway to the issuance of statements of attainment or qualifications.

On receipt of an RPL application, the RTO staff member will issue a receipt for the RPL fee and provide the student with an RPL Evidence Guide related to the Units of Competency or Qualification sought by the RPL Applicant.

On receipt of a completed RPL Evidence Guide and portfolio, the staff member shall record the date of receipt in the RPL Applications Log and request the RTO process the portfolio.

On receipt of an RPL assessment judgment, the Training Coordinator shall record the decision on the RPL Process Log and report the competency or rework decision to the RPL applicant. The Training Coordinator shall provide copies of completed RPL Evidence guides and place them on file in the RPL records cabinet.

All competent decisions shall be recorded with advice and statements of attainment or qualifications being issued as soon as practicable.

8. Credit Transfer

The RTO recognises statements of attainment and qualifications issued by all Registered Training Organisations.

AQF Credit Transfers

Where the student provides a statement of attainment or qualification from an RTO with applicable unit/s to the qualification being applied for, the Training Coordinator will provide a credit (advanced standing) to the student’s course enrolment for the applicable unit/s of competency.

Credit transfer applications of Nationally Recognised Training will be reviewed and applied by the Training Coordinator at no cost to the student.

Non-AQF Credit Transfers

Where a student has completed informal or formal qualifications that are not recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF 2013) the student will be required to submit an academic transcript to the Training Coordinator with a written request for Credit transfer detailing the proposed unit/s of competency for which they wish to apply for credit transfer.

On receipt of a written request for credit transfer the Training Coordinator will consider the comparability and equivalence of the submitted academic transcript to the courses:

• Learning outcomes
• Volume of Learning
• Program of study, including content and
• Learning and assessment approaches

Non-AQF Course Credit transfer requests will be reviewed by the RTO at an additional cost which is at the same rate as an RPL application.

Following the completion of the credit transfer review, the Training Coordinator shall ensure that a written response providing confirmation of the credit transfer or the reason why the credit transfer was refused is provided to the student within 5 working days.

9. Learner Support Policy

The RTO’s management and staff are committed to providing enrolling and enrolled students with Language Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) Needs and/or learning differences, with advice and support intervention options to assist with a student’s ongoing learning and progress through the RTO’s courseware.

Learner Support Procedures At enrolment

Students identifying Learner Support needs during the enrolment process will be advised by RTO staff of the support measures available at the RTO.

The RTO’s enrolment staff may request that a student with learner support needs to undertake an LL&N test. Results from the test will be assessed and the course reviewed for appropriateness.

The RTO’s management must be advised of all LL&N test results that identify significant Learner Support needs of enrolling students.

Students identified as having significant Learner Support needs will be referred to support agencies and may be enrolled at the RTO with a reduced study load.

Post enrolment

Following enrolment, all the RTO’s training staff will be available by appointment to provide Learner Support to enrolled students.

Learner Support provided by the RTO’s staff may include specific interventions identifying Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) training needs for learners at varying performance levels.

Pre-assessment

All RTO training staff must review the specific support requirements of all students with learner support needs prior to each assessment event.

Where a reasonable adjustment is determined as necessary for a student with learner support needs advice must be provided to the RTO’s Training Coordinator detailing the reasonable adjustment being planned prior to the assessment event (email).

The RTO’s Training Coordinator must approve each assessment that contains the planning of reasonable adjustment.

Reasonable adjustment applied to any assessment must be recorded and maintained on a student’s enrolment records.

Learner Support Review

The RTO’s Management will monitor its ongoing Learner support measures within its Continuous Improvement Systems and within each Internal Audit conducted. Monitoring will include post course survey of students receiving Learner Support assistance at the RTO. Ausinet has a contract with EASA Counselling (www.easa.org.au; 1800 193 123) and when required our students have access to professional Corporate Counselling services from Lynsey Shaw lshaw@easa.org.au.

10. Behavioural Misconduct

Behavioural Misconduct (Non-Academic Misconduct) can be defined as any action or conduct by participants relating to people or property which does not meet Ausinet’s standards. Behavioural misconduct includes but is not limited to:

• Continuous and/or belligerent interruptions to the trainer whilst delivering the program content
• Smoking in non-smoking areas
• Being disrespectful to other participants
• Harassment
• Using offensive language
• Sexual harassment
• Bullying
• Acting in an unsafe manner that places themselves and/or others at risk
• Continued absence at required times
• Displaying unacceptable or disruptive behaviour during their course

Action to be taken on Behavioural Misconduct

In order to achieve a satisfactory resolution, all participant misconduct issues will be handled

• Professionally
• Confidentially
• Fairly and equitably
• As efficiently as possible

Any participant who displays unacceptable or disruptive behaviour training may be asked to leave the session and/or the program.

Where Behavioural misconduct has been identified, the Trainer will discuss the matter with the participant involved.

A written report on the misconduct must contain evidence of the misconduct and be provided to the State Manager, who will give the participant an opportunity to respond to the allegation through a scheduled meeting.

Appeal on Misconduct

As outlined in the Complaints and Appeals Policy. Where the complainant or appellant is not satisfied with the resolution provided, they may appeal in the first instance to the Trainer. Upon review and to avoid any potential or perceived conflicts of interest, the Trainer may escalate to the CEO or the student himself may escalate it to the CEO.

11. Privacy And Personal Information Policy

PRIVACY NOTICE

Under the Data Provision Requirements 2020, AUSINET is required to collect personal information about you and to disclose that personal information to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd (NCVER).

Your personal information (including the personal information contained on this enrolment form), may be used or disclosed by AUSINET for statistical, administrative, regulatory and research purposes. AUSINET – may disclose your personal information for these purposes to:

• Commonwealth and State or Territory government departments and authorised agencies; and
• NCVER.

Personal information that has been disclosed to NCVER may be used or disclosed by NCVER for the following purposes:

• populating authenticated VET transcripts;
• facilitating statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage;
• pre-populating RTO student enrolment forms;
• understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information; and
• administering VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation.

You may receive a student survey which may be administered by a government department or NCVER employee, agent or third party contractor or other authorised agencies. Please note you may opt out of the survey at the time of being contacted.

NCVER will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the National VET Data Policy and all NCVER policies and protocols (including those published on NCVER’s website at www.ncver.edu.au).

PRIVACY POLICY

Policy Statement

This policy ensures that Ausinet complies with relevant legislation in regard to privacy and personal information in accordance with The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) as amended.

Responsibility for Implementation – Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Managers, Unit Manager Compliance and Monitoring Governing Board, Manager Risk & Compliance/Governing Board Secretary

Purpose

Ausinet’s main purpose is to provide Higher Education and Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses. Other associated activities occur to enable Ausinet to offer these courses. All information collected is for the purpose of the operational and management activities of Ausinet, or where dictated by legislative guidelines.

Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to the collection, storage, use, disclosure and access to personal information as defined under the Privacy Act 1988 handled by Ausinet. Personal and sensitive information may be collected and stored in electronic and/or paper format.

Students and employees are responsible for being aware of and complying with this Privacy Policy. Students are also responsible for keeping their personal information up to date by emailing the changes to support@ausinet.com.au

This Privacy Policy does not apply to personal information contained in employment records used for employment purposes at Ausinet in accordance with the Privacy Act.

1.0 Overview

Ausinet’s Privacy Policy has been developed in accordance with the Privacy Act, and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Ausinet is subject to the Australian Privacy Principles. The APPs regulate the handling of personal information by Australian government agencies and some private sector organisations.

2.0 Policy Principles

Ausinet is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act. Ausinet recognises its obligation under the Privacy Act and will take necessary measures to ensure that the privacy of personal information collected by it is protected. All individuals have the right to request access to their personal information held by Ausinet in accordance with the Privacy Act and the APPs.

3.0 Collection of Personal Information

Ausinet collects personal information directly from individuals including:

a. in circumstances where it is necessary for its main purpose of providing educational products

b. and services, and for the purpose of administering those products and services;

c. where it is reasonable and practicable; and

d. in a fair and transparent manner as required by the APPs.

Ausinet may collect personal information from students, prospective students, prospective employees, supporters or sponsors of Ausinet, research participants, academic or other professionals, individuals that Ausinet deals with on a commercial basis such as suppliers, contractors and individuals in organisations to which Ausinet provides goods or services, or from which Ausinet acquires goods or services, as well as from members of the public making general enquiries and users of Ausinet websites. Ausinet may collect health and sensitive information, where relevant, from students who enrol in a course of study.

Personal information collected may include: names; addresses and contact details; date of birth; educational and work history; academic results; emergency contact details; credit card details; racial or ethnic origins; English language proficiency; health or disability information (where relevant); professional membership information (where relevant) and government related identifiers. Individuals, including prospective students, are able to make an anonymous enquiry or use a pseudonym, for general enquiries and information relating to courses. However, to enrol in a course or to be assessed for eligibility to be admitted to a course, specific information is required to appropriately assess the prospective student’s application for admission to a course. Ausinet may not be able to provide its services to individuals if they choose not to provide the requested personal information.

Ausinet may also collect personal information for ancillary purposes related to the primary purpose of collection, including:

a. billing, maintaining information technology services, customer service and data storage;

b. direct marketing the services of Ausinet and its related entities to prospective, current and past students;

c. planning, monitoring, evaluating and improving service provision, including conducting market research and surveys and assessing customer satisfaction; and

d. otherwise communicating with individuals.

Personal Information from Websites or Third Parties – Generally, personal information is collected directly from the individual, although there may be times when information is collected from third parties, such as a family member who contacts Ausinet on the individual’s behalf, contractors who supply services to Ausinet, through partner institutions or from a publicly maintained record. Ausinet may also collect information from other educational providers for the purpose of verifying qualifications that have been awarded, and for completion of units of study towards course credit for the purposes of enrolment. Ausinet may request third parties to provide, or allow access to and collection of information, including personal information that the third parties hold and are authorised or entitled to disclose, directly to it verbally and in hard copy or electronic records or documents, whether stored in or provided by way of digital storage media or electronic communications.

If personal information is provided to Ausinet about someone else, the individual must ensure that they are entitled to disclose the information to Ausinet, and without Ausinet taking any further steps, Ausinet may collect, use and disclose such information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

Additionally, Ausinet may collect personal information from individuals through its websites or from third parties, and anonymous information for statistical purposes. Collection of this information may be from cookies and measurement tools on Ausinet’s websites or from third party analytics. Such information may be used to improve the products and services offered by Ausinet. Individuals may be able to alter their computer settings to prevent the use of cookies and measurement tools. However, this may result in their experiencing less functionality on some aspects of Ausinet’s websites.

Ausinet websites may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that Ausinet is not responsible for the privacy or data handling practices of any other sites and strongly advises individuals to check their terms and policies before submitting any personal information to any third party site.

Ausinet may also request information via surveys or experience evaluations. Participation in these surveys or evaluations is voluntary. Information requested may include contact information (such as name and address), and demographic information (such as postcode, age or course). Aggregated survey information will be used for monitoring or improving the use of Ausinet’s services.

4.0 Collection of Personal Information from Prospective Employees

Ausinet may collect personal information from prospective employees. For prospective employees this may include: name, address and contact details; educational and work history. Information may also be collected regarding referees and their contact details, which provides consent for Ausinet to collect personal information from said referees. It may be necessary to collect additional personal or sensitive information, either directly or from third parties, when hiring employees including any relevant security or background checks.

5.0 Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Ausinet uses and discloses personal information for the purposes disclosed at the time of collection or as set out in this Policy. Where necessary, Ausinet may disclose your personal information to external agents and contractors (such as organisations who assist with Ausinet’s research, educational and regulatory activities, mail-outs, student recruitment and independent IT service providers). Ausinet will only disclose personal information to third parties for a purpose disclosed at the time of collection or as set out in this Policy, and with whom Ausinet has entered into an agreement that gives the individual (or that the law requires to give the individual) at least the same level of protection to the personal information as Ausinet does.

Ausinet may use personal information for the purpose of direct marketing and individuals will be able to opt out of receipt of marketing material and other optional communication by contacting Ausinet on support@ausinet.com.au and requesting that direct marketing communications are not sent. Ausinet direct marketing activities may include sending materials such as surveys, newsletters, and information about Ausinet research, education and fundraising events and activities. Ausinet may use third parties to undertake such direct marketing activities on its behalf and may provide your personal information to them for those purposes. Ausinet will not disclose or externally publish personal information to third parties with a view to allowing them to direct market their products or services without consent. However, there are some communications that are required for Ausinet to fulfill its purpose of providing education, and these are not optional.

Personal information is also collected to enable Ausinet to correspond with students and attend to administrative matters, which may require disclosure to third parties such as: work-integrated learning; other student services; emergency circumstances; graduation and alumni purposes; benchmarking and quality assurance purposes; compliance with legislative reporting requirements; and other uses as permitted by the Privacy Act. Other circumstances when Ausinet may disclose personal information include:

Where a student is sponsored or on Scholarship, Ausinet will provide information to their sponsor or benefactor upon request, if provision of the requested information is a condition of the sponsorship or scholarship; and if a student transfers to another tertiary institution, Ausinet may release to that institution information about the student’s academic progress at Ausinet, although normally the student will have consented to this in their application to the new institution.

At times, your personal information may be shared with, or accessed by, our trusted service providers who operate outside of Australia. This can involve your information being collected, used, stored, or processed in overseas locations. Such arrangements are made only when necessary to support our operations or fulfil our responsibilities. These international locations currently include, but are not limited to, Singapore, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Occasionally, we may need to engage with additional overseas recipients beyond those listed in our Privacy Policy, but only where it aligns with the original purpose for which your information was collected. Depending on the country, there may also be legal obligations requiring local organisations to disclose personal data under their own laws or regulations. Ausinet manages all personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act (IP Act), including when dealing with international parties. By supplying your personal details to Ausinet, you acknowledge and agree to the potential overseas disclosure and handling of your information as outlined above.

6.0 Critical Incidents

There are certain extenuating circumstances under the Privacy Act where Ausinet may be required to disclose personal information to third parties including:

a. a serious and imminent threat to an individual’s life, health or safety;

b. a requirement under law, or authorised by law;

c. a requirement by a law enforcement body; or

d. in the course of legal proceedings.

Disclosure of such information will be carried out as necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and or imminent threat, including for example when Ausinet has been unable to contact a student for an unreasonable period.

If an individual is alleged to have committed an offence, Ausinet may be requested to assist the police or other authorised persons by providing personal information about that individual for enforcement of the law.

7.0 Other Circumstances

No attempt will be made to identify individual users of Ausinet websites except in the unlikely event of an investigation or legal proceedings, or where otherwise permitted to do so under the Privacy Act. Ausinet may be required to gather more extensive information than stated above, in cases such as:

a. unauthorised attempts to access files other than those published on Ausinet websites;

b. unauthorised tampering or interference with files published on Ausinet websites;

c. unauthorised attempts by other websites to index the contents of Ausinet websites;

d. attempts to intercept messages of other users of Ausinet websites;

e. communications which are defamatory, abusive, vilify individuals or groups or give rise to a suspicion that an offence is being committed;

f. attempts to otherwise compromise the security of the Ausinet web server, breach the laws of the Commonwealth or a state of Australia, or interfere with the use of Ausinet websites by other users.

Ausinet will only publish personal information on its websites, where the individual has consented to personal information being collected and disclosed for that particular purpose. Individuals should be aware that personal information may be indexed by search engines, and that it may be copied and used by any web user. Once personal information is published on Ausinet websites, it will not be possible to control subsequent use and disclosure. Where Ausinet websites contain external links to other sites Ausinet is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.

Under no circumstances will Ausinet sell or receive payment for licensing or disclosing personal information. Ausinet may receive unsolicited information. In such circumstances, Ausinet will dispose or de-identify any personal information collected within a reasonable timeframe.

8.0 Reporting to Government Agencies

Ausinet is required to collect and disclose information obtained from a student’s admission and enrolment at Ausinet in order to meet its obligations under a range of legislative requirements for reporting to government agencies. This may include reporting to:

a. Government agencies on statistical information about student enrolment, educational background, country of birth; where a student has requested financial assistance with tuition fees, such as FEE-HELP; reporting requirements related to students on student visas;

b. The Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) on information relating to employee qualifications and professional development; student data on performance, progression and satisfaction levels;

c. The Overseas Student Ombudsman where an overseas student lodges an appeal against a decision of Ausinet, where Ausinet will be required to respond with personal information relating to the student’s case;

d. The Australian Taxation Office in relation to FEE-HELP, where students may defer fee payment through the taxation system;

e. Centrelink relating to enrolment information on domestic students accessing Centrelink benefits;

f. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) where international students opt to pay their OSHC through Ausinet;

g. Tuition Protection Service (TPS) Director regarding tuition assurance for international students;

h. Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) for administration of the Australian Student Tuition

i. Assurance Scheme;

j. Austudy relating to enrolment information for domestic students accessing benefits.

The authority to collect this information is contained in legislation (reference to current published versions is required for these listed documents) including the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, the Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations, the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students, the Higher Education Support Act, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act, the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), the Social Security (Administration) Act and Student Assistance Act. Information collected about a student can be provided, in certain circumstances, to the Australian Government and designated authorities and, if relevant, the Tuition Assurance Service and the Tuition Protection Service Director. Ausinet will not disclose Commonwealth or State government identifiers, nor will it use those identifiers as its own identifiers.

9.0 Transfer of Personal Information Outside of Australia

Personal information will be collected, held and used by Ausinet or its related corporate bodies in Australia and, if necessary for regulatory purposes related to visa verification or similar requirements. Ausinet may also enter into agreements with third parties to whom disclosures may be made who are located outside Australia. If this occurs, and it is practicable to do so, Ausinet will update this Privacy Policy as required by law, about the overseas location of actual or likely recipients of any personal information held and disclosed by Ausinet. Ausinet may also store and process personal information on servers or cloud-based data storage systems that are located overseas.

If Ausinet transfers personal information outside of Australia; it will do so in keeping with its obligations under the Privacy Act and APPs. Ausinet will take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient is subject to legislation similar to its obligations under the Privacy Act and will take reasonable steps to ensure that recipients do not breach the APPs.

10.0 Security and Quality of Personal Information

Ausinet takes reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is protected against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure, other misuse, as required by law and generally accepted industry standards. However, to the extent permitted by law, Ausinet excludes any liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any security breach.

Ausinet takes all reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify personal information that is no longer required for any purpose permitted by the APPs, and that destruction of personal information is undertaken by secure means, as required by the Privacy Act.

Ausinet will take reasonable steps as required by the Privacy Act to ensure that personal information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, individuals must ensure their personal information is kept up to date via the online Ausinet Student Information System (SIS).

Students may also contact the Manager, Student Services to request access to other personal information or to request access to, or correction of information not held on the online system. For security reasons, requests to view other information not held on the online system must be in writing by completing a Student Request Form.

Ausinet will make reasonable endeavours to accommodate all access requests and requests to destroy or de-identify information to the extent required under the Privacy Act and the APPs. However, Ausinet may refuse requests for access to, or correction of an individual’s personal information, in accordance with the Privacy Act and any other applicable legislation.

11.0 Complaints and Appeals

If an individual believes that their personal information has not been dealt with in accordance with the Privacy Act, they may lodge a complaint. The complaint should be lodged with the Manager Risk & Compliance/Governing Board Secretary or Ausinet’s nominated delegated authority in the first instance for resolution.

Contact details:

Brisbane: 18 Sudbury Street, Darra, QLD 4076. P: (07) 3062 7631

Darwin: Unit 11, 41 Sadgroves Cres, Winnellie, NT 0830. P: (08) 6244 2575

Email: admin@ausinet.com.au

All complaints must be made in writing by email using the e-mail address above.

If a complainant is not satisfied with the response to a complaint, they can refer the matter to the Australian privacy regulator. Information about the regulator, the complaints process and how to lodge a complaint is available at https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/

12.0 Administrative Policies and Procedures

Ausinet provides policies and procedures of importance to all students and employees to assist them during their course of study. These policies and procedures are located on Ausinet’s website, including this Privacy Policy. 8

Students are strongly recommended to visit Ausinet’s website and familiarise themselves with the Ausinet policy and procedures located HERE Ausinet reserves the right to amend its Privacy Policy at any time in accordance with the law. Notice of any amendment will be posted on the homepage of the Ausinet website and the amended Privacy Policy will be posted on the relevant page of the website. If at any point Ausinet decides to use personal information in a manner different from that stated at the time it was collected, Ausinet will notify individuals by way of email (or as otherwise directed by them). Ausinet will only use information in accordance with the Privacy Policy under which the information was collected.

12. Complaints And Appeals Policy

Ausinet’s Management shall ensure that all complaints and appeals are dealt in accordance with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness and remain publicly available. All complaints and appeals shall be subject to notification within Ausinet’s management meeting and require the implementation of Ausinet’s complaints and appeals process.

Scope of Complaints and Appeals Policy

Ausinet will manage and respond to allegations involving the conduct of:

• Ausinet, its trainers, assessors or other staff
• a third-party providing services on behalf of Ausinet, its trainers, assessors or other staff
• a learner of Ausinet.

Complaints and Appeals Procedures

Learners may choose to submit a complaint to Ausinet staff via the Informal Process or Formal Process. (Please note ‘RTO staff’ will be considered to include third parties or partnering organisation staff)

Informal process

• Learners may submit a complaint (verbally or in writing) directly to Ausinet’s staff with the purpose to resolve a complaint through discussion and through mutual agreement. All complaints received will be acknowledged in writing by Ausinet’s Management.
• Ausinet staff are required to explain to the Learner the Informal, Formal and complaints and appeals processes available
• Learners may be accompanied by a third party of their choice to support them in the informal process discussion.
• All informal complaints when finalised shall be reported to Ausinet’s Management by the Ausinet’s staff for further review and consideration for potential continuous improvement actions, regardless of whether the complaint was resolved or not.
• All informal complaints that are not resolved with Learners by mutual agreement with Ausinet’s staff will require the completion of the formal complaints

Formal Process

• When a Learner wishes to submit a formal complaint or is dissatisfied with the attempt to resolve a complaint informally (directly with staff), the Learner may submit a formal complaint to Ausinet’s management utilising the ‘Student Complaint Form’.
• The Ausinet’s Management will respond in writing to all formal Learner complaints within 5 days of receipt of a ‘Student Complaint Form’.
• When a Complaint is recognised as requiring more than 60 calendar days to resolve, Ausinet’s management must inform the complainant in writing, including reasons why more than 60 calendar days are required, and regularly update the complainant on the progress of the matter.
• The Ausinet’s Management shall respond to formal complaints from Learners in writing, proposing a resolution to the complaint.
• Ausinet Management’s responses to the complainant shall include information and procedures concerning the complainant’s right to appeal the proposed solution and request for an independent Third Party.
• All formal complaints when finalised shall be reported to Ausinet’s Management by the Ausinet’s staff for further review and consideration for potential continuous improvement actions, regardless of whether the complaint was resolved or not.

Appeals Process

In the event of a Learner advising that they are dissatisfied with the proposed solution for a formal complaint to Ausinet’s management, the CEO shall provide an additional opportunity to provide a solution and shall apply the External Appeal process.

External Appeals

• The CEO shall advise the Learner that an Independent Third party shall be sought to consider the nature of the complaint and a possible further resolution at no cost to the Learner.
• The selection of the Independent Third party shall be communicated to the Learner and the selection must be with the mutual agreement of the Learner.
• The Ausinet’s management shall make contact with the Independent Third party and provide all documentation related to the formal complaint and Learner contact details
• Independent adjudication responses must be within 7 days from the date that all formal complaint documentation is provided to the Independent Adjudicator.
• When an Appeal process is recognised as requiring more than 60 calendar days to resolve the Ausinet’s management must inform the appellant in writing, including reasons why more than 60 calendar days are required; and regularly update the appellant on the progress of the matter.
• On receipt of the formal complaint documentation, the Independent Third party shall make contact with Ausinet’s Management staff and the Learner and arrange a suitable time for further discussion pertaining to the formal complaint.
• All Independent Third Party proposed solutions shall be final and be reported to Ausinet’s management and the Learner in writing and will require immediate implementation by both parties.

Assessment result appeals

All appeals from Learners relating to assessment results must be received in a period no longer than 3 months following the competency decision.

Assessment Appeals Procedure

Staff delivering training and assessment services on behalf of Ausinet will be required to:

• Provide timely guidance to all course participants regarding the assessment appeals procedure
• Clarify any aspects of the assessment results that a student does not understand
• Provide each student that requests an assessment appeal with the required ‘Assessment Appeal form’. Communicate directly via email as soon as possible with Ausinet’s management on any advice (verbal or written) provided by a student that they are seeking to appeal an assessment decision
• Schedule a meeting with the student and the Ausinet’s management when a completed assessment appeal form is received from a student
• Communicate any outcome decision by Ausinet’s management to uphold or overturn an assessment appeal to the students by completing the assessment appeal form clearly identifying the reason for the outcome.
• All assessment appeals will be processed by Ausinet’s staff and management within 15 days of receipt of an appeal. All assessment appeals must be maintained  in the students’ file.
• Student records will be adjusted to comply with Ausinet’s management appeal outcome

Complaints and appeals records

The Ausinet’s management shall maintain records of all complaints and appeals and their outcomes and reference complaints and appeals in the Ausinet’s Management meeting minutes identifying potential causes of complaints and appeals and takes appropriate corrective actions to eliminate or mitigate the likelihood of reoccurrence.

13. Legislation Policy

The RTO’s Management is committed to complying with all relevant commonwealth state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements. The RTO maintains current copies of all current legislation and regulatory requirements and informs its staff and clients of any changes to these relevant commonwealth state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements and how to access the relevant legislation and regulations that may impact their duties and or training.

Legislation Procedure

Copies of all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements shall be accessible on location for staff access and review.

The RTO’s CEO shall ensure that an extensive annual review of all relevant commonwealth state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements is conducted as scheduled by the RTO’s Review Schedule with updated versions being added to the current legislation folder. The RTO’s CEO shall ensure that all staff inductions feature information concerning the availability and access procedures to all relevant commonwealth state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to the RTO’s operations and its scope of registration and that staff are informed of those aspects that affect their duties.

All enrolled students are provided with legislative and regulatory advice that may impact on their participation in vocational education and training through course orientation information and scheduled orientation events.

All enrolled students are provided with advice concerning the procedures required to access relevant commonwealth state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements during the enrolment process.

14. Harassment, Victimisation, Vilification, and Antisemitism

Harassment and victimisation are offensive, intimidating, and unwelcome behaviours designed to damage, belittle, or take advantage of another person.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical assault, including sexual assault
• Offensive jokes, suggestions, or comments
• Verbal abuse or intimidation
  
• Distributing or displaying offensive material (pictures, cartoons, etc.)
• Offensive telephone calls, emails, or messages
• Making suggestions about sexual activity or sexual favours with threats or promises
• Making derogatory comments about a person’s age, gender, cultural background, disability, race, or religion
• Isolating, humiliating, or ignoring someone because of who they are or their background

Vilification is behaviour that incites hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule toward a person or group because of their:

• Race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin
• Gender, sexuality, age, or disability

Antisemitism is a specific form of vilification targeting Jewish individuals or communities. Examples include:

• Using antisemitic stereotypes, symbols, or narratives
• Denying or distorting historical events such as the Holocaust
• Threatening, harassing, or isolating someone because they are Jewish

If you experience or witness any harassment, vilification, or antisemitism:

Speak to your Trainer about your circumstances

You may also speak with your employer

• You have the right to seek advice from government bodies such as the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland or relevant Ethnic or Religious Councils

Ausinet is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment and will follow up on all complaints.

15. Disability

Ausinet will make reasonable adjustments in order to cater for the needs of clients and students who have a disability. Training venues and facilities where possible will be accessible. Our evacuation training will take into account the needs of people with specific needs.

16. Workplace Health & Safety

Ausinet trainers and assessors are informed of:

• The workplace health and safety legislation as it relates to their educational environments. Principles and practice of effective WHS management.
• Common hazards in educational environments.
• WHS management systems, policies and procedures for reporting to Easy HR management.
  

Ausinet is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes the wellbeing, safety and success of all students.

Additional external support services:

Mental Health: Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36) and Lifeline (13 11 14).
Crisis & Safety: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for domestic violence support and Relationships Australia (1300 364 277) for family mediation.
Emergency Services – 000
Fair Work Ombudsman – workplace rights support https://www.fairwork.gov.au/
Headspace – mental health support for young people https://headspace.org.au/

17. Evacuation

In the case of an emergency requiring evacuation, the trainer will notify his/her class that they will be evacuating the building and will follow the designated procedures. The trainer will outline this procedure at the commencement of each course.

18. Security

Personal property – Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings. Ausinet will not accept any responsibility for stolen or damaged personal property.

Participant records – Records are kept in a lockable filing cabinet in the administration offices. Only those with authority are able to access them. Participant records are not to leave the premises, except for when they are being archived.

19. Information regarding assessment process

• The number of resubmissions allowed per assessment is two
• Assessments are graded within 7 days and feedback is provided to the student within the online portal

20. Certification And Issuing Of Qualifications And Statement Of Attainments

In order to receive any Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Qualification or Award, (i.e. Certificate or Diploma), you must demonstrate competence in every unit of that qualification.

Should you fail to complete the entire course, or choose to complete a short course workshop, you will be awarded an AQF Statement of Attainment outlining those units in which you demonstrated competence.

Ausinet manages records to ensure their accuracy and integrity.

21. Plagiarism Policy

Ausinet encourages students to work together. It is viewed as supportive learning, which enhances the learning material and facilitation provided within the classroom environment.

Ausinet does however take a serious view when presented with assessment tasks that are another student’s work or from other sources. Plagiarism is a deliberate misrepresentation of other people’s work as a student’s own work. Plagiarism can take form in a number of ways:

• Copying material from texts without appropriate referencing
• Submitting work that has been done by another student
• Direct duplication of another student’s work
• A student allows their work to be copied directly by another
• Paraphrasing of another’s work with minor changes but with the essential meaning, form or ideas maintained
• Piecing together sections of work that has been compiled by another student

In case of suspected plagiarism, the class facilitator would request the student to resubmit and/or have alternative assessment tasks or extra questions added to the task.