Privacy Policy
1.Introduction
OT Detectives ("we", "us", "our"), recognises the importance of protecting personal information and is committed to safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of all individuals with whom we interact. OT Detectives refers to the business trading name of LIPKAR Group Pty Ltd (ABN 61 819 380 191) as trustee for the LIPKAR Group Trust.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It applies to all services provided by OT Detectives, including community-based services, professional consultation, education, mentoring, occupational therapy, and any related activities, whether delivered in person, online, or via digital systems.
You are not required to provide personal information to us. However, choosing not to provide certain information may limit our ability to deliver services or meet our professional, legal, or funding obligations.
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information for marketing purposes.
2.Definitions
Personal information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information is true or not and whether recorded in a material form or not.
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information and includes health information, disability information, therapy records, assessments, behavioural and risk-related information, and other information that attracts a higher level of protection under the Privacy Act.
3.What information we collect
We collect only personal and sensitive information that is reasonably necessary, relevant, and lawful for the delivery of our services. This may include:
Names, dates of birth, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses
Emergency contact and guardian details
Medicare numbers, NDIS numbers, and other healthcare identifiers (where applicable)
Health, disability, functional, and participation-related information
Assessment data, therapy notes, reports, and recommendations
Sensory, behavioural, and risk-related information
Information received from referrers, support coordinators, medical practitioners, and other allied health professionals (with consent)
Billing, invoicing, and payment details
4.How we collect this information
Personal information may be collected in a number of ways, including:
Directly from you, or from your parent, guardian, nominee, or legally authorised representative
From other professionals or service providers involved in your care, where consent has been provided or where permitted by law
Through intake forms, consent documents, assessments, therapy sessions, reports, emails, telephone calls, video conferencing, or written correspondence
Through secure electronic clinical and practice management systems
Where reasonable and practicable, we collect information directly from the individual concerned.
5.Purpose of collection of information
We collect, hold, use, and disclose personal information primarily for the purpose of providing safe, ethical, and effective occupational therapy services. This includes:
Assessment, intervention planning, and service delivery
Supporting participation, safety, and wellbeing
Risk assessment and duty of care obligations
Communication and collaboration with care teams
Report writing, documentation, and professional recommendations
Billing, compliance, quality assurance, and record keeping
Secondary purposes may include:
Service evaluation and continuous quality improvement
Professional supervision, mentoring, and training (using de-identified information)
Meeting legal, regulatory, accreditation, insurance, and funding requirements
6.Disclosure of information to third parties
We may disclose personal information where it is necessary and appropriate to do so, including:
With your informed consent
To other health, disability, or education professionals involved in your care
To funding bodies such as the NDIS or Medicare, where required
Where disclosure is authorised or required by law, including mandatory reporting obligations
Where necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to life, health, safety, or welfare
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with professional, ethical, and legal obligations.
7.Consent
We seek informed consent prior to:
Collecting sensitive health information
Sharing information with third parties
Releasing reports or records
Consent may be withdrawn at any time by written request, except where we are legally required to retain or disclose information, or where disclosure is necessary to meet duty of care obligations.
8.Data Security and Storage
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure, including:
Secure electronic practice management systems
Password-protected devices and accounts
Encrypted cloud-based storage
Secure physical storage for any paper records
Information is retained in accordance with legal, professional, and funding requirements.
9.Access and Correction
You have the right to:
Request access to personal information we hold about you
Request correction of information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date
Requests must be made in writing to hello@otdetectives.com.au. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, subject to legal and ethical considerations, and may require proof of identity.
10.Destruction and De-identification
When personal information is no longer required for a lawful purpose and after any mandatory retention periods have expired, we take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify the information.
Requests for deletion will be considered on a case-by-case basis, noting that it may not always be possible to comply due to legal, professional, or funding obligations.
11.Websites, Digital Systems, and Cookies
Our website and digital platforms may automatically collect limited technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, access times, and referring pages. Cookies or similar technologies may be used to support functionality, security, and basic analytics.
You may adjust your browser settings to disable cookies, noting this may affect website functionality.
12.Social Media and External Links
Our websites or communications may contain links to external websites or social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
13.Complaints
For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, or if you believe that We have breached the Australian Privacy Principles and wish to make a complaint about that breach then please email OT Detectives Director in writing setting out details of the breach. We take complaints seriously and will investigate promptly in writing within 28 days providing you with the steps we propose to take to remedy any breach.
14.Contact
ATT: OT Detectives Privacy Officer
Email: hello@otdetectives.com.au
OR in writing: PO Box 522 Torrens Park, SA 5062
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, professional standards, or business practices. The most current version will be made available upon request or via our website.