Privacy Policy

Blue Dog Training RTO Provider No 31193
3 November 2025 Version
POLICY COVERAGE AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Section Revised ASQA Standard/s Other Compliance Requirements
Overarching Principles Compliance Requirement 1  
Australian Privacy Principles (APP) Compliance Requirement 1  
Details for Making Requests   ST4S Vendor Guide – 23 January 2025
Privacy Notice   National VET Data Policy
Third Party Sub-Processor List    
Data Breach Response    
Complaints Standard 2.7a Standard 2.8a
PURPOSE
Registered Training Organisations collect personal information from students in compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. Blue Dog Training has a duty to securely maintain this data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate how Blue Dog Training has clearly defined policies and systems to protect personal information in accordance with the relevant legislation, inclusive of the 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APP).
OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES
  • Blue Dog Training respects the privacy of students and is committed to protecting personal information.
  • Providing personal information to Blue Dog Training is consent to collection, use, storage, and disclosure in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
  • “Personal Information” has the meaning provided in s12 of the Information Privacy Act 2009, that allows a person to be identified, including:
    • Name, address, email, age, gender, etc.
    • Tracking information for Google Analytics.
    • Information collected for the Blue Dog Training student management system.
  • “Sensitive Information” has the meaning provided in the glossary of the Information Privacy Act 2009, that allows a person to be identified, including but not limited to:
    • Racial or ethnic origin,
    • Political opinions,
    • Religious beliefs.
  • Blue Dog Training has a nominated Privacy Officer, who has a good understanding of privacy requirements.
  • This policy applies to all Blue Dog Training employees, students, stakeholders, and associates.
APP 1: OPEN AND TRANSPARENT MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
1.1 Blue Dog Training’s Privacy Policy ensures all handling and management of personal information is outlined in an open and transparent manner.
1.2 Blue Dog Training will review this policy:
  • On an ongoing basis, as suggestions or issues are raised and addressed, or as government required changes are identified,
  • Through our internal audit processes on at least an annual basis,
  • As a part of any external audit of our operations that may be conducted by various government agencies as a part of our registration as an RTO or in normal business activities, and
  • As a component of every complaint investigation process where the compliant is related to a privacy matter.
Where this Policy is updated, changes to the Policy will be communicated to internal and external stakeholders on the Blue Dog Training website.
1.3 Blue Dog Training’s Privacy Policy expresses how personal information is managed and is reviewed on an annual basis as a minimum to ensure currency of information.
1.4a Blue Dog Training collects the following types of personal information, depending on the need for service delivery or contractual requirements:
  • Personal and contact details,
  • Employment details,
  • Educational background and academic history,
  • Language, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy proficiency,
  • Demographic information,
  • Course progress and achievement information, and
  • Financial billing information.
The following types of sensitive information may also be collected and held:
  • Identity details,
  • Employee details and human resource information,
  • Complaint or issue information,
  • Disability status and other individual needs,
  • Information required to issue a Unique Student Identifier (USI),
  • Indigenous status, and
  • Background checks (e.g., National Criminal Checks or Working with Children checks).
Where Blue Dog Training collects personal information of more vulnerable segment of the community (such as children), additional practices and procedures are also followed.
1.4b Blue Dog Training’s approach to collecting personal information is to collect any required information directly from the individuals concerned. This may include the use of forms (such as registration forms, enrolment forms or service delivery records) and the use of web-based systems (such as online enquiry forms, web portals or internal operating systems).
Blue Dog Training does receive solicited and unsolicited information from third party sources in undertaking service delivery activities. This may include information from such entities as:
  • Governments (Commonwealth, State or Local)
  • Australian Apprenticeships Support Networks (ACAPs)
  • Employers (and their representatives), Job Network Providers, schools, guardians; and
  • Service providers such as credit agencies and background check providers.
1.4c As a registered training organisation (RTO) regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), Blue Dog Training is required to collect, hold, use and disclose a wide range of personal and sensitive information on participants in nationally recognised training programs.
This information requirement is outlined in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 and associated legislative instruments. In particular, the legislative instruments:
Blue Dog Training is also bound by State government legislation requiring similar information collection, use and disclosure relevant to state jurisdictions of Blue Dog Training operations.
Aligned with these legislative requirements, Blue Dog Training delivers services through a range of Government funding contract agreement arrangements, which also include various information collection and disclosure requirements.
Individuals are advised that due to these legal requirements, Blue Dog Training discloses information held on individuals for valid purposes to a range of entities including but not limited to:
  • Governments (Commonwealth, State or Local),
  • Australian Apprenticeships Support Networks (ACAPs),
  • Employers (and their representatives), Job Network Providers, schools, guardians; and
  • Service providers such as credit agencies and background check providers.
Blue Dog Training’s approach to holding personal information always includes robust storage and security measures. Information on collection is:
  • As soon as practical converted to electronic means,
  • Stored in secure, password protected systems, such as financial system, learning management system and student management system; and
  • Monitored for appropriate authorised use at all times.
Only authorised personnel are provided with login information to each system, with system access limited to only those relevant to their specific role.
Blue Dog Training ICT systems are hosted in highly secured data centres (undisclosed locations in Australia, with armed security). Blue Dog Training has robust access protection with passwords and private keys for authentication. The infrastructure sits behind firewalls and only whitelisted IP addresses are allowed to connect. Virus protection, backup procedures and ongoing access monitoring procedures are in place.
Destruction of paper-based records occurs as soon as practicable in every matter, through the use of secure shredding and destruction services at all Blue Dog Training sites. Individual information held across systems is linked through a Blue Dog Training allocated identification number for each individual.
1.4d Blue Dog Training confirms all individuals have a right to request access to their personal information held and to request its correction at any time. In order to request access to personal records, individuals in the first instance are to contact their trainer.
A number of third parties, other than the individual, may request access to an individual’s personal information. Such third parties may include employers, parents or guardians, schools, Australian Apprenticeships Support Networks, Governments (Commonwealth, State or Local) and various other stakeholders. In all cases where access is requested, Blue Dog Training will ensure:
  • Parties requesting access to personal information are identified and vetted,
  • Where legally possible, the individual to whom the information relates will be contacted to confirm consent (if consent not previously provided for the matter), and
  • Only appropriately authorised parties, for valid purposes, will be provided access to the information.
1.4e If an individual feels Blue Dog Training may have breached one of the APPs, they can refer to our Complaints and Appeals Policy located in the footer of the website: https://bluedogtraining.com.au/
1.4f It is highly unlikely Blue Dog Training will be required to disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If these situations do arise, Blue Dog Training will confirm at that time that individuals’ personal information is likely to be disclosed to overseas recipients, for internal business activity purposes. Any type of personal information held by Blue Dog Training (as listed in this policy) may be included in these disclosures.
1.4g If personal information is disclosed to overseas recipients, Blue Dog Training will endeavour to disclose the country of the recipient where practical.
1.5 Blue Dog Training’s Privacy Policy is available at no charge in PDF format in the footer of the website.
1.6 Individuals may request the Privacy Policy in other reasonable ways, such as sending via email, posting a hard copy, or converted to another file format such as Microsoft Word. Blue Dog Training will ensure all individuals will be given a copy of this Privacy Policy in a reasonable manner.
APP 2: ANONYMITY AND PSEUDONYMITY
2.1 Individuals have the option of not identifying themselves or use a pseudonym where possible. However, this does not apply if the matter is in relation to a requirement under Australian law, a court/tribunal order, or if it is impracticable for Blue Dog Training to deal with the individual.
2.2 Blue Dog Training is required and authorised by Australian law to deal with individuals who have identified themselves. It is a condition of Registration under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 that Blue Dog Training collects and reports on the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management of Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS) data for all participants enrolled in nationally recognised training programs. Blue Dog Training will ensure that the collection of personal information does not go beyond the requirements of law.
Matters that are impractical for Blue Dog Training to deal with the individual may mean that anonymity and/or pseudonymity is unavailable as an option. Examples of impractical matters include:
  • Dispute resolution, such as investigating an individual’s particular complaint,
  • Eligibility for government subsidies or support.
APP 3: COLLECTION OF SOLICITED PERSONAL INFORMATION
3.1 This subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
3.2 Personal information is collected from individuals engaging with Blue Dog Training where only reasonably necessary to the functions and activities being provided.
3.3 Sensitive information is a subset of personal information, and is collected from individuals engaging with Blue Dog Training where only reasonably necessary to the functions and activities being provided.
3.4 Collection of certain sensitive information is a condition of Registration under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 to collect and report AVETMISS data for all participants enrolled in nationally recognised training programs, for example:
  • Language and cultural diversity,
  • Disability.
Blue Dog Training also assesses a student’s language, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy levels, used for the purposes of determining course relevance, suitability, and potential support/adjustment strategies.
3.5 Solicited collection of personal information is a condition of Registration under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. Solicited personal information also includes:
  • Information provided by an individual or another party in response to requests. This may include information from an individual’s parents, employers, schools, Australian Apprentices Support Network, or from government websites and registers,
  • A completed form or application submitted by an individual,
  • A complaint letter sent in response to a general invitation on Blue Dog Training’s website to individuals to complain to Blue Dog Training,
  • An employment application sent in response to a job advertisement published by Blue Dog Training,
  • A form completed to enter a competition conducted by Blue Dog Training,
  • An entry in the RTO’s office visitors’ book, and
  • A record of a credit card payment. Note no credit card details are retained by Blue Dog Training.
3.6 Blue Dog Training will only collect personal information about the individual only from the individual themselves unless it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so.
3.7 The above points only apply to the solicited collection of personal information.
APP 4: DEALING WITH UNSOLICITED PERSONAL INFORMATION
4.1 Unsolicited information is information received by Blue Dog Training that was not requested by Blue Dog Training. Unsolicited information is received by Blue Dog Training from time to time. When this occurs, Blue Dog Training will determine whether Blue Dog Training could have received the information using solicited means. Where this is the case, Blue Dog Training may hold, use, and disclose the information appropriately as per this Privacy Policy.
4.2 Blue Dog Training may use the unsolicited information to determine whether it could have been solicited.
4.3 If Blue Dog Training could not have collected this information by law or for a valid business purpose, Blue Dog Training will immediately destroy or de-identify the information (unless it would be unlawful to do so).
4.4 Unsolicited information that is not personal information, APPs 5 to 13 apply in relation to the information as if Blue Dog Training had collected the information under APP 3.
APP 5: NOTIFICATION OF THE COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
5.1 Whenever Blue Dog Training collects personal information about an individual, Blue Dog Training takes reasonable steps to notify the individual of the details of the information collection or otherwise ensures the individual is aware of those matters. This notification occurs at or before the time of collection, or as soon as practicable afterwards.
5.2 Blue Dog Training notifications, including information within this Privacy Policy to individuals on data collection include:
  1. Blue Dog Training’s identity and contact details, including the position title, telephone number and email address of a contact who handles enquiries and requests relating to privacy matters,
  2. The facts and circumstances of collection such as the date, time, place and method of collection, and whether the information was collected from a third party, including the name of that party. Where Blue Dog Training collects personal information from another organisation, Blue Dog Training will:
    • Confirm whether the other organisation has provided the relevant notice above to the student; or
    • Whether the individual was otherwise aware of these details at the time of collection; and
    • If this has not occurred, we will undertake this notice to ensure the individual is fully informed of the information collection.
  3. If the collection is required or authorised by law, including the name of the Australian law or other legal agreement requiring the collection,
  4. The purpose of collection, including any primary and secondary purposes,
  5. The consequences for the individual if all or some personal information is not collected,
  6. Other organisations or persons to which the information is usually disclosed, including naming those parties,
  7. Advice that this Policy contains information about how the individual may access and seek correction of the personal information held by Blue Dog Training,
  8. How to complain about a breach of the APPs and how Blue Dog Training will deal with such a complaint,
  9. Whether we are likely to disclose the personal information to overseas recipients, and
  10. if so, the names of the recipients and the countries in which such recipients are located.
Where possible, Blue Dog Training will ensure the individual confirms their understanding of these details, such as through signed declarations, website form acceptance of details or in person through questioning.
APP 6: USE OR DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
6.1 Blue Dog Training can use or disclose personal information it holds about an individual for the primary purposes for which the information was collected, or secondary purposes in cases where an individual consented to a secondary use or disclosure of personal information.
  • An individual would reasonably expect the secondary use or disclosure, and that is directly related to the primary purpose of collection, or
  • Using or disclosing the information is required or authorised by law.
6.2 Where personal information being held for the primary purpose and used for a secondary purpose, Blue Dog Training does not require consent if the individual would reasonably expect the secondary use or disclosure, and that is directly related to the primary purpose of collection, or using or disclosing the information is required or authorised by law.
6.3 This subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
6.4 Where Blue Dog Training collects information in relation to a “permitted health situation”, Blue Dog Training will take reasonable steps to ensure information is de-identified before disclosure.
6.5 If Blue Dog Training uses or discloses personal information in accordance with an “enforcement related activity”, Blue Dog Training will make a written note of the use or disclosure, including the following details:
  • The date of the use or disclosure,
  • Details of the personal information that was used or disclosed,
  • The enforcement body conducting the enforcement related activity,
  • If the organisation used the information, how the information was used by the organisation,
  • The basis for our reasonable belief that we were required to disclose the information.
6.6 This subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
6.7 APP 6 does not apply for the purposes of:
  • Direct marketing (APP 7), or
  • Government related identifiers (APP 9).
APP 7: DIRECT MARKETING
7.1 Blue Dog Training does not use or disclose the personal information that it holds about an individual for the purpose of direct marketing.
7.2 If at any time Blue Dog Training uses or discloses personal information for the purposes of direct marketing, it will only do so where the personal information has been collected directly from an individual, and the individual would reasonably expect their personal information to be used for the purpose of direct marketing. Individuals can easily request to not receive direct marketing communications by opting out. This will be made clear on all marketing communication channels.
7.3 Directly marketing to individuals who would not reasonably expect direct marketing communications will only be undertaken where consent has been provided. Individuals can easily request to not receive direct marketing communications by opting out. This will be made clear on all marketing communication channels.
7.4 Blue Dog Training will only ever use or disclose sensitive information for the purpose of direct marketing with consent from the individual.
7.5 Blue Dog Training may use or disclose personal information for the purpose of direct marketing where required by government contractual conditions.
7.6 All individuals engaged with direct marketing from Blue Dog Training, or a third party have the right to request not to receive direct marketing communications.
7.7 Blue Dog Training does not charge for opting out of direct marketing communications. Further, Blue Dog Training will notify an individual of our source of their personal information used or disclosed for the purpose of direct marketing unless it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so.
7.8 Blue Dog Training complies with relevant legislation related to direct marketing, such as the Spam Act 2003 and other relevant Commonwealth law.
APP 8: CROSS-BORDER DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
8.1 Blue Dog Training does not disclose personal information to any overseas recipient.
8.2 As APP 8.1 does not apply, then this subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
APP 9: ADOPTION, USE OR DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT RELATED IDENTIFIERS
9.1 Blue Dog Training does not adopt government related identifiers, such as the Unique Student Identifier (USI), as their own.
9.2 Blue Dog Training will only ever use or disclose a government related identifier where:
  • Reasonably necessary to verify the identity of the individual for the purpose of Blue Dog Training activities/functions,
  • Reasonably necessary to fulfil Australian legislative requirements, obligations of government contractual requirements, or for a court/tribunal order, or
  • For permitted situations outlined in Section 16A of the Privacy Act 1988, or if reasonably necessary for an enforcement related activity.
9.3 Further, the use or disclosure of a government related identifier will only ever be in accordance with the prescriptions and circumstances outlined by regulations. See Privacy Act 1988.
APP 10: QUALITY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
10.1 Blue Dog Training takes reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information it collects is accurate, up-to-date, and complete.
10.2 Blue Dog Training also takes reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information used or disclosed is also relevant for the purpose or disclosure. This is important when:
  • Information is initially collected, and
  • When personal information is used or disclosed.
Quality measures in place supporting these requirements include:
  • Internal practices, procedures and systems to audit, monitor, identify and correct poor quality personal information (including training staff in these practices, procedures and systems).
  • Protocols that ensure personal information is collected and recorded in a consistent format, from a primary information source when possible.
  • Ensuring updated or new personal information is promptly added to relevant existing records.
  • Providing individuals with a simple means to review and update their information on an on-going basis through our online portal.
  • Reminding individuals to update their personal information at critical service delivery points (such as completion) when we engage with the individual.
  • Contacting individuals to verify the quality of personal information where appropriate when it is about to be used or disclosed, particularly if there has been a lengthy period since collection.
  • Checking that a third party, from whom personal information is collected, has implemented appropriate data quality practices, procedures and systems.
APP 11: SECURTY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
11.1 Blue Dog Training takes active measures to consider whether we can retain personal information we hold and to ensure the security of personal information we hold. This includes reasonable steps to protect the information from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Access to Blue Dog Training offices and work areas is limited to Blue Dog Training personnel. Visitors to Blue Dog Training premises must be authorised by relevant personnel and are always accompanied.
Blue Dog Training maintains storage of hard-copy records in an appropriately secure place to which only authorised individuals have access.
Staff training and information sessions are conducted with Blue Dog Training personnel on privacy issues, and how the APPs apply to our practices, procedures and systems. Training is included in the Blue Dog Training personnel induction practices. Blue Dog Training conduct ongoing annual internal audits (and as needed) of the adequacy and currency of security and access practices, procedures and systems implemented.
11.2 Blue Dog Training will destroy or de-identify personal information held once the information is no longer needed for any purpose for which the information may be legally used or disclosed.
APP 12: ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION
12.1 Individuals have the right to request access to their personal information held by Blue Dog Training. Where Blue Dog Training holds personal information about an individual, Blue Dog Training provides that individual access to the information on their request. In processing requests, Blue Dog Training will ensure through confirmation of identity that the request is made by the individual concerned, or by another person who is authorised to make a request on their behalf.
Access requests to personal information data must be made in writing and include sufficient details to verify the individual’s identity.
12.2 This subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
12.3 In the unlikely event that Blue Dog Training believes the individual access to personal information may pose a serious threat, be unlawful, have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of other individuals, is frivolous or vexatious, or would prejudice legal proceedings, law enforcement, or an investigation, Blue Dog Training is not required to give access.
12.4 Responses to a request to access personal information will be and will then be responded to within 30 days of the acknowledgement, by giving access to the personal information that is requested in the way it was requested, such as electronically or via a printed copy.
12.5 If Blue Dog Training is unable to give access to personal information for reasons outlined in APP 12.3, or in the manner requested by the individual, Blue Dog Training will take reasonable steps to give access in a way that meets the needs of Blue Dog Training and the individual.
12.6 Access to personal information may be given through the use of a mutually agreed intermediary.
12.7 This subsection does not apply to Blue Dog Training.
12.8 Blue Dog Training does not charge fees to access personal information.
12.9 If Blue Dog Training is unable to give access to personal information for reasons outlined in APP 12.3, or in the manner requested by the individual, Blue Dog Training will explain the refusal to give access, including providing reasons for refusal in writing, and the complaint mechanisms available to the individual.
12.10 Where Blue Dog Training refuses to give access to personal information because it may reveal commercially sensitive decision-making processes of Blue Dog Training, then Blue Dog Training may choose to provide an explanation of the commercially sensitive decision.
APP 13: CORRECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
13.1 Blue Dog Training will take reasonable steps to correct personal information in cases where Blue Dog Training is satisfied that the personal information held is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading (that is, the information is faulty). This awareness may occur through collection of updated information, in notification from third parties or through other means. Blue Dog Training will ensure through confirmation of identity that the correction is made by the individual concerned, or by another person who is authorised to make a request on their behalf.
Blue Dog Training will also correct personal information at the request of the individual. Blue Dog Training will take reasonable steps to ensure the requested correction of personal information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant, and not misleading.
Correction requests to personal information data must be made in writing and include sufficient details to verify the individual’s identity.
13.2 Blue Dog Training will notify relevant third parties of personal information corrections when requested by the individual concerned unless it is impracticable or unlawful to do so.
13.3 Where Blue Dog Training refuses to update personal information, Blue Dog Training will give a written notice to the individual, including the reasons for the refusal and the complaint mechanisms available to the individual.
13.4 Where Blue Dog Training refuses to update personal information, the individual concerned has the right to request a statement be attached to the personal information describing their dispute.
13.5 Corrections to personal information (APP 13.1) or requests for statements (APP 13.4) will be responded to within 30 days. Blue Dog Training does not charge fees for either of these requests. Updates are made as required by regulatory and compliance requirements, including AVETMISS data and ASQA requirements.
DETAILS FOR MAKING REQUESTS
Requests to access or correct personal information can be made by phone or email:
Phone: (07) 3331 6000
Email: admin@bluedogtraining.com.au
NOMINATED PRIVACY OFFICER
Blue Dog Training has a nominated Privacy Officer, responsible for overseeing the management and protection of personal information within Blue Dog Training in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the APPs. Their role in handling data inquiries includes:
  • Responding to requests for access and correction
    • Ensuring individuals can access their personal information upon request.
    • Assessing and actioning correction requests for inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information.
    • Communicating decisions regarding access or correction, including any refusals and escalation options.
  • Managing privacy complaints and concerns
    • Investigating and resolving complaints related to the handling of personal information.
    • Providing guidance on escalation processes, including referrals to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if necessary.
  • Ensuring compliance with privacy policies
    • Educating staff on privacy obligations and best practices.
    • Monitoring compliance with privacy policies and recommending updates as needed.
  • Liaising with external stakeholders
    • Coordinating with regulatory bodies, legal teams, and data protection authorities when required.
    • Ensuring that third-party data-sharing agreements align with privacy regulations.
The Privacy Officer plays a critical role in fostering trust, transparency, and regulatory compliance in the handling of personal information at Blue Dog Training. Currently, the Blue Dog Training Privacy Officer is Nicholas Walsh - Compliance and Quality Manager. Their best contact details are listed in the “Details for Making Requests” section.
PRIVACY NOTICE
As per Schedule 1 of the National VET Data Policy, Blue Dog Training provides the following privacy notice to all students at the point of data collection (i.e., enrolment) concerning VET data held by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on behalf of state, territory and Commonwealth governments:
Why we collect your personal information
As a registered training organisation (RTO), Blue Dog Training collects your personal information so we can process and manage your enrolment in a vocational education and training (VET) course with us. If you do not provide adequate information as requested, Blue Dog Training may not be able to process your application.
How we use your personal information
We use your personal information to enable us to deliver VET courses to you, and otherwise, as needed, to comply with our obligations as an RTO.
How we disclose your personal information
We are required by law (under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth) [NVETR Act]) to disclose the personal information we collect about you to the National VET Data Collection kept by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd (NCVER). The NCVER is responsible for collecting, managing, analysing and communicating research and statistics about the Australian VET sector.
We are also authorised by law (under the NVETR Act) to disclose your personal information to the relevant state or territory training authority.
How the NCVER and other bodies handle your personal information
The NCVER will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with the law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the NVETR Act.
Your personal information may be used and disclosed by NCVER for purposes that include:
  • populating authenticated VET transcripts
  • administration of VET
  • facilitation of statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage; and
  • understanding the VET market.
The NCVER is authorised to disclose information to the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), Commonwealth authorities, State and Territory authorities (other than registered training organisations) that deal with matters relating to VET and VET regulators for the purposes of those bodies, including to enable:
  • administration of VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation
  • facilitation of statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage
  • understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information.
The NCVER may also disclose personal information to persons engaged by NCVER to conduct research on NCVER’s behalf.
The NCVER does not intend to disclose your personal information to any overseas recipients.
For more information about how the NCVER will handle your personal information please refer to the NCVER’s Privacy Policy at https://www.ncver.edu.au/privacy.
If you would like to seek access to or correct your information, in the first instance, please contact your Blue Dog Training trainer who will be able to provide the requested information or access.
DEWR is authorised by law, including the Privacy Act and the NVETR Act, to collect, use and disclose your personal information to fulfil specified functions and activities. For more information about how the DEWR will handle your personal information, please refer to the DEWR VET Privacy Notice at https://www.dewr.gov.au/national-vet-data/vet-privacy-notice.
Please refer to the additional State or Territory Authority Privacy Notice included in this application process should this be relevant to your application.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
From 1 January 2015, Blue Dog Training can be prevented from issuing you with a nationally recognised VET qualification or statement of attainment when you complete your course if you do not have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). In addition, we are required to include your USI in the data we submit to NCVER. If you have not yet obtained a USI you can apply for it directly at https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi on computer or mobile device.
Surveys
You may receive a student survey which may be run by a government department or an NCVER employee, agent, third-party contractor or another authorised agency. Please note you may opt out of the survey at the time of being contacted.
Contact Information
At any time, you may contact Blue Dog Training to:
  • request access to your personal information
  • correct your personal information
  • make a complaint about how your personal information has been handled
  • ask a question about this Privacy Notice
Contact us at: 07 3166 3900 | 1300 133 622 | admin@bluedogtraining.com.au
18 Heussler Terrace, Milton QLD 4064
DATA BREACH RESPONSE
Blue Dog Training recognises that when data breaches occur can be caused by a variety of factors, affect different types of personal information and give rise to a range of actual or potential harms to individuals and organisations.
Blue Dog Training will deal with each breach on a case by case basis, undertaking an assessment of the risks involved, and using that risk assessment as the basis for deciding what actions to take in the circumstances. When dealing with any breach, Blue Dog Training will:
  • Be sure to take each situation seriously and move immediately to contain and assess the suspected breach.
  • Acknowledge that breaches which may initially seem immaterial may be significant when their full implications are assessed.
  • Respond promptly. In some cases, it may be appropriate to notify individuals immediately, before containment or assessment of the breach occurs.
  • Blue Dog Training acknowledges the decision on how to respond should be made on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the breach, not all steps may be necessary, or some steps may be combined.
Blue Dog Training has an internal IT Security Protocols document which sets parameters to minimise the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.
In the unlikely event of a cyber-attack or data breach, the Blue Dog Training management team must refer to the Incident Response Plan.
THIRD PARTY SUB-PROCESSOR LIST
We are committed to transparency in data processing and privacy practices. To ensure the security, functionality, and efficiency of our services, we engage a range of trusted third-party sub-processors. These sub-processors support essential functions such as cloud hosting, collaboration, project management, analytics, and payment processing.
Through our vendor management program, we enter into a contract with each sub-processor before sharing any data with them. These contracts include monitoring and audit provisions to ensure compliance with data protection and security requirements. Additionally, all potential vendors undergo a security review and approval process before being integrated into our operations.
This document provides a comprehensive overview of all sub-processors used by Blue Dog Training, detailing their purpose, the types of personal data processed, storage locations, and the lawful basis for processing under relevant privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
We regularly review and update this list to reflect any changes to our sub-processing arrangements. Stakeholders are encouraged to review this information to understand how their data is managed and where it is processed.
Name Link Purpose Personal Data Types Processed Storage Country Lawful Basis
Microsoft Office 365 (including Microsoft Forms) https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-365 Stores assessment files, supporting documentation, stakeholder contact details, and collects responses via Microsoft Forms. Name, email, phone number, form responses. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
Amazon Web Services (AWS) https://aws.amazon.com/ Hosts the Blue Dog Training website, and applications, data integrations processes email hosting. Name, email, phone number, IP address, device information personal information. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
Google Analytics https://analytics.google.com/ Provides analytics for engagement metrics on the public website IP address, device information (e.g., browser type). Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
eWAY https://www.eway.com.au/ Facilitates billing and online payment processing. Name, email, billing address, payment details. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
Atlassian Jira https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira Project management and issue tracking. Name, email, project-related data. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
Atlassian Confluence https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence Internal Collaboration and documentation platform. Name, email, content created by users. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
Atlassian Jira Service Management https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/service-management Internal Service desk and customer support management. Name, email, support-related data. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
HubSpot https://www.hubspot.com/ Used to manage website content, enquiry forms, and email communications through HubSpot to support customer engagement activities Name, email, phone number, form responses. Australia Legitimate Interest / Contract
COMPLAINTS
Blue Dog Training encourages individuals to discuss any potential complaints with the relevant Blue Dog Training staff member in the first instance before making a complaint. If however an individual believes Blue Dog Training has breached its obligations in handling, using, or disclosing personal information after attempting to rectify the situation, they may make a complaint as per the Complaints and Appeals Policy: https://bluedogtraining.com.au/storage/app/media/pdf_documents/policies/Complaints_Policy.pdf
Where students are unsatisfied with the outcomes of the complaint and appeal, they can escalate their complaint directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for investigation (www.oaic.gov.au).
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER MATRIX
Positions with responsibility for actioning of activities identified in this policy and the timelines for which they are accountable are outlined in the table below:
Activity Position Timeline
Accountability for adherence to the principles which underpin this policy CEO
Privacy Officer		 Aligned to ASQA Annual RTO Declaration
Implementation of policy CEO Annual internal review
Nominated Privacy Officer RTO Compliance and Quality Manager Annual internal review
Ongoing review of policy to ensure relevance and alignment with administrative and educational delivery framework within the organisation RTO Compliance and Training Manager Annual internal review
Implementation of procedures Client Service Manager
HR Manager
Manager Performance Reporting
Program Managers		 Annual Performance Review

Complaints and Appeals Policy

Relevant Compliance Requirements

  • 2025 Standards for RTOs - Standard 2.7 & Standard 2.8

  • DTET – Training evidence requirements

  • DTET – Assessment evidence requirements
Purpose
This document outlines to learners and stakeholders that Blue Dog Training has a Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure to manage and respond to:
  • Complaints and allegations involving the conduct of Blue Dog Training staff, students or third-party providers delivering services for Blue Dog Training
  • Requests to review decisions, including assessment decisions (appeals) made by Blue Dog Training or a third-party providing services on behalf of Blue Dog Training
  • Disputes that arise in relation to Skills Assured Supplier (SAS) Agreement services.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Blue Dog Training policy:
  • Privacy Policy
Principles
The Blue Dog Training Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure follows the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness by allowing anyone subject to a decision by Blue Dog Training, or anyone who has allegations made against them, to tell their side of the story before a decision is made. Complaints lodged could include, but not be limited to:
  • Academic matters from students
  • Non-academic matters from students; for example, a change in the services provided by Blue Dog Training
  • Non-academic matters from persons seeking to enrol with Blue Dog Training in a course or unit of study and
  • Members of the public on any matter related to the services provided by Blue Dog Training.
Appeals from students could include but not be limited to the following:
  • They believe an assessment outcome is invalid; or
  • They feel an assessment process was invalid, inappropriate or unfair.
The policy ensures the decision-maker is independent of the decision being reviewed (for example, an assessor does not consider or decide an appeal against an assessment decision they made). Further, when there is a complaint or appeal with a designated individual There is no fee or charge levied for any complaint or appeal processed and the policy is publicly available.
Framework for Managing Complaints and Appeals
Complaints and Disputes Management
  1. In the first instance (Stage 1) (and in most but not all circumstances) the complainant should discuss the matter the Blue Dog Training staff member or responsible person concerned. Where this is not considered appropriate then the complainant is encouraged to discuss the matter with Blue Dog Training management. Complaints finalised in Stage 1 will not require further action.
  2. The complainant may submit a formal complaint (Stage 2) to Blue Dog Training in writing to admin@bluedogtraining.com.au, including the following information:
    • Submission date of complaint
    • Name of complainant
    • Date of complaint
    • Date of the event which lead to the complaint and
    • Any other relevant information or attachments (if applicable).
All formal complaints will be recorded in an internal Complaints/Appeals register to be used for monitoring and resolution purposes.
  1. Blue Dog Training will acknowledge receipt of the complaint, in writing, within five (5) working days
  2. The complaint will be referred to the relevant Blue Dog Training manager to investigate. The investigation will be resolved, and decisions made on the complaint within 20 working days of the complaint being received in writing. (Throughout the investigation of the complaint the complainant may be accompanied and assisted by a third party independent of Blue Dog Training.)
  3. The complainant will be informed of any decisions or outcomes concluded in writing, with reasons provided for the decisions or outcomes. With this notification, the complainant will receive information on how they can progress their complaint if still unhappy.
  4. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they may escalate the complaint in writing to the Blue Dog Training Chief Executive Officer (Stage 3).
  5. Escalated complaints are to include the following information:
    • Submission date of complaint
    • Name of complainant
    • Nature of complaint
    • Reasons why the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the original complaint, and
    • Any other relevant information or attachments (if applicable).
  1. The Blue Dog Training Chief Executive Officer will acknowledge receipt of the escalated complaint in writing within five (5) working days and arrange a suitable time if needed to discuss the complaint.
  2. The Chief Executive Officer will investigate the escalated complaint. The investigation will be resolved, and decisions made on the escalated complaint within twenty working days of the complaint being received in writing.
  3. The complainant will be informed of any decisions or outcomes concluded in writing, with reasons provided for the decisions or outcomes. With this notification, the complainant will receive information on how they can progress their compliant if still unhappy.
  4. If at any stage throughout the complaints management process Blue Dog Training considers more than 60 calendar days are required to process and finalise the complaint, Blue Dog Training will:
    • 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.
  1. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcomes, on their request can ask Blue Dog Training to make arrangements with an independent party to further resolve the issue. The complainant will be given information on costs to be incurred on the complainant (where relevant) and timeframes involved with escalating the complaint to the independent party.
Note: ASQA can receive complaints, but they are not the independent reviewer of decisions made by Blue Dog Training.
Appeals Management
  1. As is the case with of complaints management, before making a formal appeal, a student should discuss the matter with the relevant Blue Dog Training personnel in an effort to reach an agreement.
  2. If a student is still unhappy, they must lodge a formal appeal in writing to Blue Dog Training Chief Executive Officer, within 20 business days of the result of assessment being provided or the decision being appealed was made.  
  3. Appeals are to provide the following information:
    • Submission date of appeal
    • Name of student
    • Decision being appealed
    • Grounds for appeal
    • Any other relevant information or attachments (if applicable).
All formal appeals will be recorded in an internal Complaints/Appeals register to be used for monitoring and resolution purposes.
  1. Upon receiving a formal appeal, Blue Dog Training Chief Executive Officer will:
    • Acknowledge receipt of the appeal in writing within five (5) business days
    • Arrange a hearing date
    • Convene a panel of independent persons and/or assessors to attend the hearing to ensure an unbiased decision is made. The panel will uphold the appeal, reject the appeal or recommend further evidence gathering by either party.
  1. The student will be invited to the hearing and at the hearing be given the opportunity to present their case. The student has the right to have an independent person of their choice available at the hearing.
  2. Within 20 business days of the hearing the Blue Dog Training Chief Executive Officer will notify the student of the outcome of the hearing in writing providing the reasons why the decision was made.
With this notification, the appellant will receive information on how they can progress their compliant if still unhappy.
  1. Where Blue Dog Training considers more than 60 calendar days are required to process and finalise the appeal, Blue Dog Training:
    • Informs the appellant in writing, including reasons why more than 60 calendar days are required; and
    • Regularly updates the appellant on the progress of the matter.
  1. If the appellant is dissatisfied with the outcomes, on their request can ask Blue Dog Training to make arrangements with an independent party to further resolve the issue. The appellant will be given information on costs to be incurred on the complainant (where relevant) and timeframes involved with escalating the appeal to the independent party.
APPEALS AGAINST A DECISION REGARDING THE DELETION OF PERSONAL DATA
As identified in the Blue Dog Training Privacy Policy the ‘right to be forgotten’ is essentially the right to have your personal data removed (deleted) from a certain place, that is, people have the right to contact a party that is holding their personal data and to ask them to erase/delete it.
In Australia privacy matters are regulated by the Privacy Acy 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP). However, there is no right to be forgotten in Australia, that is the right to have personal data removed by certain organisations does not exist in Australia.
Instead, in Australia the two (2) main privacy principles where this can be managed are APP 12 and 13. (and traditional remedies such as the tort of defamation, which is not covered in the Blue Dog Training policy.)
The Blue Dog Training Privacy Policy maps out the process whereby an individual can make and a request to Blue Dog Training for removal of personal data/information.
Blue Dog Training Privacy Policy identifies:
  • that requests of this nature are managed at the CEO level and
  • If the individual is not satisfied with the outcome, they escalate their complaint directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for investigation.
The reason for this is that while Blue Dog Training has a process for managing such requests the legal framework for this matter is ‘less comprehensive’ in Australia than other jurisdictions.
It is considered that taking the matter to an external level as soon as possible once Blue Dog Training has made a decision which the application is not satisfied, is fairer for both Blue Dog Training and the applicant.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Each complaint or appeal and its outcome will be recorded in writing and stored on the Blue Dog Training Complaints and Appeals Register available at S:\Quality\Feedback, Compliments, Complaints, Appeals, Solicitor requests\Complaints and Appeals
At all times records of complaints and appeals are maintained confidentially.  
Blue Dog Training will identify the causes of complaints and appeals and will take appropriate corrective action to eliminate or mitigate the likelihood of reoccurrence.
Blue Dog Training will retain records of all complaints and appeals for a period of at least five (5) years, allowing parties to the appeal appropriate access to these records.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER MATRIX
Positions with responsibility for actioning of activities identified in this policy and the timelines for which they are accountable are identified in the table below.

Activity

Position

Timeline

Accountability for adherence to the principles which underpin this policy

CEO

Aligned to ASQA Annual RTO Declaration

Implementation of policy

CEO and COO

Annual internal review

Ongoing review of policy to ensure relevance and alignment with administrative and educational delivery framework within the organisation

RTO Compliance Manager

Annual internal review

Implementation of procedures

Client Service Manager

HR Manager

Manager Performance Reporting

Program Managers

Annual Performance Review
FURTHER ACTION
If dissatisfied with the outcome of the Blue Dog Training complaints or appeals process a complainant/appellant can lodge a complaint with the following organisations:
  • Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA) through the ASQA complaints handling service for complaints against RTOs at asqa.gov.au or phone 1300 701 801
  • The relevant State Training Authority (STA) which in Queensland is the Department of Trade, Employment and Training at https://dtet.qld.gov.au
  • Queensland Training Ombudsman at http://qto.qld.gov.au/contact/ Phone 1800 773 048 or Email: info@trainingombudsman.qld.gov.au
  • The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for investigation - website address oaic.gov .au or phone number 1300 363 992 – for complaints relating to the handling, use or disclosure of personal information.
 POLICY REVIEW RECORDS

Review Dates

Action

Approval/author

16 April 2018

Policy developed

CEO

08 November 2019

Transition to new training product added

CEO

3 March 2020

Annual review – no changes

CEO

30 November 2020

Annual review – Formatting changes

CEO

6 December 2021

Annual review - Formatting changes only

CEO

15 November 2022

Addition of:

Section on ‘Appeals against a decision regarding the deletion of personal data’

Responsible Officer Matrix

CEO

23 January 2024

Annual review – minor formatting changes

CEO

17 July 2024

Updated to “Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure”.

Clarifies this can be used for dispute resolution.

Specifies that formal complaints or appeals are recorded in the Complaints and Appeals register.

Includes references to an independent reviewer.

CEO

5 November 2024

Removed reference to policy

CEO

13 November 2025

Updated Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 – Clause 6 to 2025 Standards for RTOs – Standard 2.7 & Standard 2.8

Updated DESBT User Choice Audit Evidence requirements to DTET Training Evidence Requirements

Updated DESBT QVI Audit Evidence Requirements to DTET Assessment Evidence Requirements

Updated contact details in Further Action from Department of Small Business and Training to Department of Trade, Employment and Training

CEO
 

Student Fee Refund Policy

Blue Dog Training RTO Provider No 31193
01 August 2025 Version
POLICY COVERAGE AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Section ASQA Standards Other Compliance Requirements
Refunds Standard 2.1c
Standard 2.1d		 DTET Skills Assure Supplier Policy 2025–2028
Funded Apprentices and Trainees   DTET Skills Assure Supplier Policy 2025–2028: Performance Standard 1C
Refund Request Procedure    
Proportionate Refunds   DTET Skills Assure Supplier Policy 2025–2028
Administration Fee    
Payment Methods    
Documented Evidence    
Appeals Standard 2.8 DTET Skills Assure Supplier Policy 2025–2028: Appendix 1E
PURPOSE
Before enrolling, every student and paying individual must confirm that they have read and understood Blue Dog Training’s Student Fee Refund Policy. This policy ensures that all students are fully informed of their consumer rights to a refund using clear and simple language, outlining the circumstances under which refunds will or will not be issued.
Blue Dog Training staff members must have a good understanding of this policy to ensure it is applied and communicated consistently. 
REFUNDS
Refunds granted:
  • An overpayment of fees.
  • Blue Dog Training is unable to commence or deliver* the agreed training and assessment services for the course when an enrolment has been completed and payment has been made.
    • This does not apply to courses that are transitioning to a new training product. 
*In the unlikely event that Blue Dog Training is unable to deliver, Blue Dog Training will endeavour to assist students with finding another training organisation to deliver the training and assessment services. 
Refunds granted on a case-by-case basis:
  • Withdrawal from a course due to extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to financial and/or personal hardship beyond their control. 
Refunds not granted:
  • Change of mind.
  • Enrolment period has lapsed.
  • Disciplinary action due to student misconduct.
  • Cancelling their booking within two (2) business days before class commencement.
  • Class non-attendance.**
  • Class late arrival.** 
** Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information about class rescheduling, non-attendance, and late arrivals.
FUNDED APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES
Blue Dog Training will automatically refund student co-contribution fees for funded apprentices and trainees.
Training not commenced
If a student cancels their course before training commencement, full co-contribution fees for non-commenced units of competency will be refunded to the payer (employer or apprentice/trainee) at the time of enrolment cancellation. 
Training commenced
If an apprentice or trainee cancels their course with Blue Dog Training after participating in training but before full completion of the unit of competency, a proportionate refund of 50% of the paid co-contribution fee will be refunded to the payer (employer or apprentice/trainee).  
Additional charges beyond co-contribution fees
If an employer or industry partner agrees to cover additional charges beyond the standard co-contribution fees for an apprentice or trainee, and the apprentice or trainee subsequently withdraws from the course, a refund of those additional charges will be issued to the payer for any unused portion of the service. 
REFUND REQUEST PROCEDURE
  1. . All refund requests must be submitted using the Student Fee Refund Request Form. To obtain the form, contact Blue Dog Training via phone or email. Visit our homepage and click “Contact Us” for our contact details or click HERE.
  2. Complete the Student Fee Refund Request Form in full and return to Blue Dog Training via return email.
  3. A designated Blue Dog Training staff member will respond to the request for refund via email. 
PROPORTIONATE REFUNDS
All approved refund requests for full qualifications or skill sets - except for co-contribution fees associated with funded apprenticeships and traineeships - will be calculated on a proportionate basis. Refunds are based on the amount of training and assessment completed for each unit of competency, relative to the fees paid. Approved refund amounts are subject to, and determined as follows:

  • Completed units (result: Competent or RPL): No refund.

  • Partially completed units (training has commenced but not completed): 50% refund of the unit fee.

  • Unstarted units (training has not commenced): Full refund of the unit fee. If you would like an example of how this might apply to you, please contact the office. 

ADMINISTRATION FEES
All approved refund requests, except for co-contribution fees associated with funded apprenticeships and traineeships are subject to a $110 administration fee. 
PAYMENT METHODS
In circumstances where a refund of student fees applies, Blue Dog Training will utilise the following methods of refund:

  • Where the original fees were received by Blue Dog Training via a current credit card, the refund will be credited back against the originating credit card.

  • Where the original fees were received by Blue Dog Training via direct deposit, the refund will be via bank transfer or an EFT reversal.

Approved refund requests will be processed within 10 business days of the confirmation of approved refund. 
DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE
Invoices, receipts, and refunds for each student are maintained in the Blue Dog Training student management and financial management systems. Communication logs between relevant parties are maintained in contact logs. At a minimum, receipts will contain the following information:

  • Name of student,

  • Date of refund,

  • Specific unit/s of competency relevant to refund,

  • Amount refunded. 

APPEALS
All students have the right to appeal a refund decision made by Blue Dog Training as per our Complaints and Appeals Policy. This policy is available on this page. If dissatisfied with the outcome of the Blue Dog Training appeals process, a student can lodge a complaint with the following organisations:
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER MATRIX
Activity Position Timeline
Accountability for adherence to the principles underpinning this policy Executive Team Annual internal review
Implementation of policy and Risk Management Framework CEO Annual internal review
Ongoing review of policy and Risk Management Framework RTO Compliance Manager Annual internal review
Development and implementation of procedures Program Managers Annual Performance Review

Website Terms of Use Policy

Relevant Compliance Requirements

2025 Standards for RTOs – Compliance Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations and Fit and Proper Person Requirements – Part 2 – Division 3 – Accountability – 20 Compliance with laws

Purpose

Blue Dog Training has a Website Terms of Use policy which is designed to:

  • Protect the business interests of Blue Dog Training, specifically copyright, intellectual property and reputation; and
  • Manage user activity.

Principles

The principles which underpin this policy are, Blue Dog Training has:

  • An obligation to adhere to relevant legislation and regulations; and
  • A responsibility to set out the rules to all visitors to this website and individuals, organisations or other bodies students who want to use the website for the purposes of gathering information, training and assessment and other services.

Note:  ‘Terms of Use’ could also be called ‘Terms of Service or ‘Terms and Conditions’.

Terms and Conditions, Website Use

(To be read by and agreed to by all visitors to and individuals, organisations or other bodies accessing and using the Blue Dog Training website)

1. Consent

The website - www.bluedogtraining.com.au – belongs to Blue Dog Training Pty Ltd a registered training organisation (RTO # 31193). These terms of use apply to all visitors to this website and individuals, organisations or other bodies who access the website for the purposes of information, training and assessment and other services.

Navigation on the website and enrolment in any training product or other service through this website implies the acceptance of the Terms of Use outlined in this policy, without limitation or qualification.

Upon reading these Terms of Use visitors to this website and individuals, organisations or other bodies who access the website for the purposes of information, training and assessment and other services must immediately cease using this website if they do not agree to them.

2. Variations

Blue Dog Training Pty Ltd reserves the right to change these Terms of Use without prior notice.

Blue Dog Training may, at any time and at our discretion, vary these Terms of Use by publishing the varied Terms of Use on the Blue Dog Training Website as per the Blue Dog Training Changes to Agreed Services Policy & Procedures.

3. License to Use and Disclaimer

Blue Dog Training only grants a non-exclusive, royalty-free, revocable, non-transferable licence to use the Blue Dog Training website in accordance with these Terms of Use. All other uses are prohibited without prior written consent from Blue Dog Training.

All visitors to the Blue Dog Training website and individuals, organisations or other bodies who access the website for the purposes of information, training and assessment and other services:

  • Do so at they own risk, and
  • Understand that while every effort is made to keep this website up and running smoothly Blue Dog Training cannot guarantee that access will be uninterrupted.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Blue Dog Training and while all efforts will be made to keep the information up to date and correct, Blue Dog Training make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will Blue Dog Training be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Blue Dog Training takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

In circumstances where the website may be temporarily unavailable or despite the efforts by Blue Dog Training, information may be out of date, rectification action will be taken as soon as possible following identification.

4. Exclusion of Competitors

Individuals, organisations or other bodies are prohibited from using the Blue Dog Training website in any way that competes with the business and operations of Blue Dog Training.

5. Personal Use Only, No Commercial Use

The information, services and training products available from the Blue Dog Training website are for personal non-commercial use only.

Individuals, organisations or other bodies may not sell or resell any of the information services training products and services obtained from Blue Dog Training.

6. Protection of Personal Data

Blue Dog Training respects the privacy of personal data provide to it and is committed to protecting personal information.

By providing personal information to Blue Dog Training all visitors to this website and individuals, organisations or other bodies who access the website for the purposes of training and assessment consent to its collection, use, storage and disclosure in accordance with the Blue Dog Training Privacy Policy.

Management of the information provided to Blue Dog Training is as per the Blue Dog Training Student Records and Data Management Policy.

7. Payment Methods

Blue Dog Training offers payments via Direct Deposit or Credit Card to ensure purchases of training, assessment and other services can be undertaken with total security and convenience.

8. Prohibited Conduct

An individual, organisation or other body must not do or attempt to do anything: that is unlawful; prohibited by any laws applicable to the Blue Dog Training website, which Blue Dog Training would consider inappropriate; or which might bring Blue Dog Training or the Blue Dog Training website into disrepute, including (without limitation):

Anything that would constitute a breach of an individual’s privacy (including uploading private or personal information without an individual's consent) or any other legal rights

Using the Blue Dog Training website to defame, harass, threaten, menace or offend any person

Interfering with any user using the Blue Dog Training website

Tampering with or modifying the Blue Dog Training website, knowingly transmitting viruses or other disabling features, or damaging or interfering with the Blue Dog Training website, including (without limitation) using trojan horses, viruses or piracy or programming routines that may damage or interfere with the Blue Dog Training website

Using the Blue Dog Training website to send unsolicited email messages; or

Facilitating or assisting a third party to do any of the above acts.

9. Account Information

Each individual, organisation or other body which registers for and is issued a Blue Dog Training user account for the provision of training, assessment and other services must provide true, accurate and up-to-date information, supported by appropriate evidence of identity.

Refer to Section 6 of this document regarding the treatment of personal information, by Blue Dog Training.

Each individual, organisation or other body which registers for and is issued a Blue Dog Training user account for the provision of training, assessment and other services is responsible for ensuring the personal information they have provided is up to date. If and when, user account information changes Blue Dog Training must be notified as soon as possible.

Users are responsible for the protection of their password and all activity under their account.

10. Password Security

Each individual, organisation or other body which registers for and is issued a Blue Dog Training user account for the provision of training, assessment and other services is responsible for:

  • The security and protection of the password, and
  • Maintaining the confidentiality of the account and password and
  • Taking all reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised access to the account, and
  • All activities that occur under the account or password.

Each individual, organisation or other body which registers for and is issued a Blue Dog Training user account who has reason to believe that their password has become known to somebody else or is likely to be used in any way that is unauthorised by Blue Dog Training they should contact Blue Dog Training immediately.

If an individual, organisation or other body which registers for and is issued a Blue Dog Training user account forgets their password Blue Dog Training will reset the password on request. The new password will be sent to the email address, which the individual, organisation or other body specified when they registered.

11. Authenticity of Training and Assessment Activities

As Blue Dog Training does not allow user accounts to be shared by users, any individual, organisation or other body which accesses the Blue Dog Training website to undertake training and assessment agrees to the following conditions:

  • They will not allow another other individual, organisation or other body to undertake training and assessment activities on their behalf, that is the work submitted must be their own, and
  • They will not make the Blue Dog Training resources, tools and products for training and assessment public, that is information must not be shared with an individual, organisation or other body which does not have their own Blue Dog Training user account, and
  • They will not present the work - including photos of work undertaken for the purpose of the development of a Skills Profile - of another individual, organisation or other body as their own, and
  • They confirm that all assessment activities which appear under their name are their own work and
  • They will not post inappropriate documentation, including photos.

Activities such as those noted above will be investigated if identified by Blue Dog Training. The investigation will be as per the provisions of the Blue Dog Training Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedures.

Evidence of undertaking any of the above activities could result in suspension of the individual’s, organisations or other body’s access to their Blue Dog Training user account, and/or depending on the circumstances, termination of enrolment with Blue Dog Training as per Section 17 of the Blue Dog Training Student Handbook.

12. Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise indicated, Blue Dog Training owns or licences all rights, title and interest (including intellectual property rights) in the Blue Dog Training website and all the content.

An individual, organisation or other body must not:

  • Copy or use, in whole or in part, any website content
  • Reproduce, retransmit, distribute, disseminate, sell, publish, broadcast or circulate any content to any third party; or
  • Breach any intellectual property rights connected with the Blue Dog Training website or content including (without limitation) altering or modifying any of the content, causing any of the content to be framed or embedded in another website or platform, or creating derivative works from the content.

Students accessing the website for the purposes of training and assessment activities retains the intellectual property rights to their own work created within and/or uploaded to a Blue Dog Training electronic student management system.

13. Termination of User Account

Completion of an account user’s training and assessment activities with Blue Dog Training (or cessation for other reasons) will result in the de-activation of access to the associated user account.

Access to a user account can be reactivated at a later time if determined appropriate by Blue Dog Training, for example commencing further training.

14. Disputes

In the event of a dispute arising from or in connection to this Terms of Use the matter will be managed as per the Blue Dog Training Complaints and Appeals Policy.

15. Contact Information

The contact person for matters relating to this policy is Blue Dog Training Social Media and Web Site Administrator at marketing@bluedogtraining.com.au

Responsible Officer Matrix

To ensure it is clear where responsibility for the actioning of activities identified in this policy rests the matrix positions with responsibility are identified in the table below.

Activity

 Position

Timeline

Accountability for adherence to the principles which underpin this policy

CEO

Aligned to ASQA Annual RTO Declaration

Implementation of policy

CEO and COO

Annual internal review

Ongoing review of policy to ensure relevance and alignment with administrative and educational delivery framework within the organisation

IT Team Manager – Program Owner (Blue Dog Online)

RTO Compliance Manager

Social Media and Website Administrator

Annual internal review

Implementation of procedures

Program Managers

Annual Performance Review for each trainer/assessor

POLICY REVIEW RECORD (Revision History)

Review Dates

Action

Approval/author

7 December 2021

Original policy developed

CEO

14 March 2022

Section 3 updated

CEO

28 March 2022

Responsible officer matrix added.

CEO

17 January 2023

Terms of use explanation expanded, and Responsible Officer Matrix embedded in the body of the policy rather than an appendix.

CEO

23 January 2024

Annual review – no changes

CEO

5 November 2024

Minor text updates

CEO

13 November 2025

Removed reference to Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 – Clause 8.5 to 2025 Standards for RTOs – Compliance Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations and Fit and Proper Person Requirements – Part 2 – Division 3 – Accountability – 20 Compliance with laws

CEO

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

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