Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Privacy

GDC Wellbeing Consultancy complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which govern how personal information is collected, used, stored, disclosed, and managed.

Further information about the Australian Privacy Principles can be found on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) website.

Personal and Sensitive Information

Personal information refers to information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples include:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Payment information

Some information collected may be classified as sensitive information under the Privacy Act, including health information and information relating to an individual's background, beliefs, or personal circumstances. Health information is treated with a particularly high level of confidentiality and care.

Information We Collect

Website and Online Services

• Name and contact details submitted through enquiry or booking forms
• Email address when subscribing to newsletters or resources
• IP address and browser information
• Website usage data
• Cookies and analytics information

Counselling, Coaching and Consultancy Services

• Personal and contact information
• Relevant health and wellbeing information
• Session notes and treatment plans
• Referral information from healthcare professionals
• Medicare, DVA or insurer details (where applicable)
• Payment and billing information

How We Collect Information

Information may be collected through counselling, coaching and consultancy sessions, telephone calls, email correspondence, online booking systems, website enquiry forms, referrals from healthcare professionals, publicly available sources, and third parties where consent has been provided or disclosure is authorised by law.

Where practical, we collect information directly from you.

Purpose of Collection

We collect personal information to:

• Provide counselling, coaching and consultancy services
• Develop treatment plans and support strategies
• Manage appointments and communications
• Process payments and claims
• Meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations
• Support clinical supervision and quality assurance
• Improve service delivery and website functionality

We only use information for purposes directly related to the reason it was collected unless otherwise required or authorised by law.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

Disclosure of Information

Your information may be disclosed:

• With your consent
• To other treating professionals involved in your care
• To Medicare, DVA, insurers, or funding bodies
• To administrative service providers supporting practice operations
• During professional supervision, with identifying information removed wherever possible

Information may also be disclosed where required or authorised by law, including mandatory reporting obligations, court orders and subpoenas, or situations involving serious and imminent risk to health or safety.

Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Information may be stored in secure electronic systems and/or secure physical files.

When information is no longer required, reasonable steps will be taken to securely destroy or permanently de-identify it, subject to any legal retention requirements.

Client records are generally retained for the minimum period of seven years as required under applicable legislation and professional standards.

Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You may request access to personal information held about you and request corrections if you believe information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.

Requests should be made in writing. While there is generally no fee for requesting access, an administrative fee may apply where copies of records are requested.

Proof of identity may be required before information is released.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve functionality, security, and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website functions may be affected.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be amended from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, professional standards, or our business practices.

The most current version will always be available on our website.

Privacy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact:

We take privacy concerns seriously and aim to respond promptly and fairly.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).