Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd collects, uses, holds, discloses, and protects personal information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and all 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It applies to all individuals interacting with our business - candidates, employers, partners, students, website visitors, and any other person who provides us with personal information.
Privacy Policy - Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd
This Privacy Policy explains how Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd collects, uses, holds, discloses, and protects personal information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and all 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It applies to all individuals interacting with our business - candidates, employers, partners, students, website visitors, and any other person who provides us with personal information.
Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd · ABN 37 682 821 049 · Suite 209, 379–383 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, AustraliaScope of This Privacy Policy
This Policy applies to all personal information collected by or on behalf of Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd through any channel including our website at www.globalskillsconnect.com.au and www.globalstudyplan.com, our offices in Australia, Nepal and the UAE, telephone, email, and third-party platforms. By using our services or providing information to us in any way, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure practices described in this Policy.
Applicable Legislative Framework
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
- Spam Act 2003 (Cth) - governing direct marketing communications
- Do Not Call Register Act 2006 (Cth)
- Migration Act 1958 (Cth) - for information collected in connection with visa and migration services
- Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 (Cth) - for education-related data
- Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme - Part IIIC of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - to the extent applicable to individuals in the EEA
Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| "We / Us / Our / Company" | Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd (ABN 37 682 821 049), its officers, employees, agents, and authorised representatives. |
| "Personal Information" | Information or an opinion about an identified individual or reasonably identifiable individual - as defined in section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). |
| "Sensitive Information" | A subset of personal information including health information, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, sexual orientation or practices, criminal record, biometric data, and genetic information - as defined in section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). |
| "Candidate" | Any individual who registers with or engages Global Skills Connect for employment placement, career guidance, visa and migration assistance, skills assessment, RPL, education pathways, or any other individual-focused service. |
| "Employer" | Any business, company, organisation, or entity engaging Global Skills Connect for workforce solutions, staffing, migration advisory, sponsorship, or related employer services. |
| "Partner" | Any recruitment agency, education institution, RTO, migration professional, education agent, or international representative engaged through our partner network. |
| "Services" | All services provided by Global Skills Connect as described in this Policy and our Terms of Service. |
| "Website" | www.globalskillsconnect.com.au and globalstudyplan.com and any related subdomains or digital platforms operated by Global Skills Connect. |
| "CRM" | Our Customer Relationship Management system used to store and manage client data. |
| "RMA" | A Registered Migration Agent - an individual registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). |
| "Authorised Migration Agent" | Amrit Tewari, MARA Registration No. 1382952 - the MARA-registered migration agent through whom Global Skills Connect facilitates migration services. |
Information We Collect
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for one or more of our services (APP 3). We collect only the required information needed for the relevant purpose.
2.1 - Personal Information
- Full legal name, preferred name, date of birth, gender, and nationality
- Contact details: residential address (current and previous), email address(es), and telephone number(s)
- Passport number, country of issue, expiry date; visa subclass, visa conditions, work rights status in Australia
- Educational qualifications, academic transcripts, trade certificates, professional licences, and English language proficiency test results (IELTS, PTE, OET, TOEFL)
- Resume or curriculum vitae, employment history, years of experience, references, and occupational background
- Skills assessment documents, RPL evidence portfolios, JRP and supporting documentation for qualification recognition
- Preferred work location(s), industry and role preferences, employment type, salary expectations, and availability dates
- Emergency contact name and telephone number
- Insurance details including OSHC and OVHC policy numbers and coverage information
- Records of all communications including emails, consultation notes, SMS, and enquiry form submissions
- For Employers: Business name, ABN, ACN, registered address, billing address, key contact names and titles, business size, industry sector, and workforce requirements
- For Partners: Agency or institution name, business registration details, country of operation, credentials, and bank account details for commission payments
2.2 - Sensitive Information
In providing migration advisory, visa application coordination, health cover, or skills assessment services, we may collect sensitive information including:
- Health information relevant to Department of Home Affairs medical requirements, occupational health assessments, or OSHC/OVHC insurance procurement
- Criminal history records (police clearance certificates) required for employment placements or visa applications
- Country of origin, citizenship history, immigration history, prior visa refusals, cancellations, or adverse immigration decisions
- Membership of professional or trade associations where relevant to skills assessments
2.3 - Technical and Usage Data
- IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type and identifiers
- Pages visited, time and duration of visits, navigation paths, exit pages, and referring URLs
- Search queries made on our Website
- Cookie identifiers and session data (see Section 11)
- Approximate geographic location derived from IP address (city or region level only - not precise GPS location)
- Form submission metadata including timestamps and completion data
Sensitive Information - Consent Required (APP 3.3)
We will only collect sensitive information with your express written consent, or where collection is required or authorised by or under Australian law or a court/tribunal order. Sensitive information is subject to additional security controls, is accessible only to personnel with a strict need to know, and is used solely for the purpose for which consent was granted.
How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information by lawful and fair means, and where reasonably practicable, directly from the individual concerned (APP 3.5 and APP 3.6). Our collection channels include:
- Website forms: Enquiry forms, "Apply Now" job application forms, contact forms, partner registration forms, and candidate registration forms
- Resume/CV submissions: Documents uploaded through the Website, WhatsApp, Email or sent via any of official medium
- Telephone and video consultations: Information provided verbally during assessments, consultations, or follow-up calls - with your knowledge
- In-person consultations: At our Sydney office or at our overseas representative offices
- CRM records: Information entered and managed in our internal systems following client interaction
- Partner agency referrals: Personal information about candidates forwarded by our authorised partner agencies - we require partners to confirm documented consent has been obtained from the individual prior to referral
- Government and regulatory sources: From the Department of Home Affairs, MARA, and other Australian Government bodies where required for service delivery and lawfully permitted
- Skills assessment bodies: Outcome notifications and correspondence from TRA, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, ACWA, ANMAC, and similar bodies
- Employer clients: Information about candidates provided by employers in the context of a placement or workforce arrangement
- Automatic Website collection: Via cookies, web analytics (including Google Analytics), and server logs
- Social media platforms: If you interact with our profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or any social media platform.
Unsolicited Personal Information (APP 3.5)
If we receive personal information that we did not solicit and determine we could not have collected it under APP 3, we will promptly destroy or de-identify it, unless it would be unlawful or impracticable to do so.
Purposes of Collection and Use
We collect, hold, and use personal information only for services that are directly related to our business functions and for which you would reasonably expect us to use your information (APP 6).
4.1 - Workforce Solutions and Recruitment
- Assessing candidate suitability for employment opportunities across our employer client network
- Matching candidates with appropriate roles based on skills, qualifications, experience, and career goals
- Communicating job opportunities, interview arrangements, placement outcomes, and onboarding requirements
- Preparing and submitting job applications on a candidate's behalf
- Conducting reference checks, background verifications, and pre-employment checks where applicable and consented to
4.2 - Migration Advisory and Visa Services
- Assessing visa pathway eligibility and coordinating appropriate referrals to our Authorised Migration Agent (Amrit Tewari, MARA 1382952)
- Facilitating the preparation and lodgement of visa and nomination applications to the Department of Home Affairs through our MARA-registered Migration Agent
- Complying with obligations under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and Department of Home Affairs requirements
- Monitoring visa conditions and compliance obligations for employer sponsor clients
4.3 - RPL and Skills Assessment
- Assessing prior learning and work experience for Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) standards
- Preparing and submitting RPL and skills assessment applications to relevant assessing bodies
- Supporting qualification recognition, career pathway planning, and workforce readiness outcomes
4.4 - Education Pathways (Global Study Plan)
- Matching students with appropriate education programs and institutions
- Managing admissions applications, student visa coordination, and enrolment administration in partnership with education institutions
- Providing OSHC/OVHC insurance guidance and pre-departure and post-arrival support
4.5 - Employer and Partner Services
- Providing tailored workforce solutions, staffing advisory, migration advisory, and employer support services
- Managing commercial service agreements, invoicing, and payment processing
- Facilitating partner onboarding, collaboration workflows, and commission arrangements
- Monitoring and supporting employer compliance with Australian sponsorship and employment obligations
4.6 - General Business Operations
- Responding to enquiries and providing ongoing client support
- Sending service communications, appointment reminders, and process updates
- Sending direct marketing communications with consent (see Section 12)
- Improving our Website, services, and operational processes through analytics, surveys, and feedback
- Complying with all applicable Australian legal, regulatory, and taxation obligations
- Detecting, investigating, and preventing fraud, security incidents, and unlawful conduct
- Enforcing our Terms of Service and contractual obligations
- Maintaining accurate, complete, and auditable business records
Secondary Use Restriction (APP 6.2)
We will not use or disclose personal information for a purpose other than the primary purpose of collection unless: (a) the secondary purpose is directly related to the primary purpose and you would reasonably expect it; (b) you have consented in writing; (c) use or disclosure is required or authorised by Australian law; or (d) a permitted general or health situation applies under APP 6.2. We will never use sensitive information for a secondary purpose unless you have expressly consented.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell, rent, exchange, license, or trade personal information to any third party for commercial gain. We may disclose personal information to the following categories of recipients strictly as necessary to deliver our Services or comply with legal obligations (APP 6):
| Recipient | Basis and Purpose |
|---|---|
| Prospective Employers | Candidate profiles and application materials shared for recruitment and placement purposes. Express consent is obtained before each individual disclosure to a named employer. |
| Authorised Migration Agent (Amrit Tewari, MARA 1382952) | Personal and sensitive information disclosed to our MARA-registered migration agent for the purpose of visa pathway assessment, preparation, and lodgement. Express written consent is obtained before referral. All migration activities are conducted under the MARA Code of Conduct. |
| Partner Agencies and International Representatives | Candidate information shared within our authorised global partner network for coordinated placement. Partners are contractually required to comply with APP-equivalent privacy standards. |
| Department of Home Affairs | Personal and sensitive information disclosed as required for visa applications, nomination lodgements, sponsorship approvals, and compliance obligations under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). |
| Skills Assessment Bodies | TRA, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, ACWA, ANMAC, AIM, CPAA, and other relevant assessing authorities as required for RPL and skills assessment applications. |
| Education Institutions and RTOs | Information required for student admissions, course enrolments, student visa applications, and education pathway administration. |
| Health Insurance Providers | OSHC and OVHC providers accessed via our affiliated insurance portal where you expressly request health cover comparison or procurement services. |
| Technology and Cloud Service Providers | Providers of our CRM, Website hosting, email, analytics, and communication infrastructure - engaged under data processing agreements requiring APP-equivalent privacy protections. |
| Professional Advisers | Accountants, auditors, and legal counsel engaged by Global Skills Connect, subject to strict professional confidentiality obligations. |
| Law Enforcement and Regulatory Bodies | Where required by Australian law, court order, subpoena, regulatory direction, or to prevent imminent harm to a person's life, health, or safety. |
| Business Acquirers | In the event of a merger, acquisition, corporate restructure, or asset sale - subject to confidentiality obligations and the incoming entity's binding agreement to honour this Privacy Policy. |
Candidate Consent Before Employer Disclosure
We will seek your explicit consent before sharing your personal profile with any specific employer. You may withhold or withdraw consent for disclosure to any particular employer without affecting your overall registration or access to our other services.
Overseas Disclosure of Personal Information
Global Skills Connect operates internationally. Personal information may be disclosed to overseas recipients in the following locations (APP 8):
- Nepal - Our multi cities representative offices for candidate sourcing, consultation coordination, and partner liaison
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai) - Our Dubai representative for Middle Eastern partner activities and regional candidate support
- Other jurisdictions - Where partner agencies, candidate applications, or employer engagements require cross-border processing within our global partner network
APP 8.1 - Overseas Transfer Obligation
Before disclosing personal information to an overseas recipient, we take reasonable steps to ensure the recipient does not breach the APPs in relation to that information. Where equivalent protection cannot be ensured, we obtain your express written consent acknowledging that APP protections may not apply and that you may not be able to seek redress under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). All our overseas offices and authorised representatives are contractually required to handle personal information in accordance with this Policy.
Security of Personal Information
We implement reasonable technical, organisational, and administrative measures to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure (APP 11):
- 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted via our Website and email systems
- Secure cloud-based storage on reputable, ISO 27001-compliant or equivalent infrastructure
- Role-based access controls - personal information accessible only to personnel with a legitimate business need
- Multi-factor authentication for access to systems containing personal information
- Regular security patches, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing
- CRM platforms with comprehensive audit trails, access logging, and activity monitoring
- Mandatory staff privacy training and binding confidentiality obligations in all employment and contractor agreements
- Physical security measures at all offices including access controls
- Documented incident response procedures for data breach detection, containment, assessment, and notification
- Contractual data security obligations imposed on all third-party service providers and processors
Internet Transmission Limitation
While we implement robust security measures, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. You transmit personal information to us at your own risk. Please contact us immediately at inquire@globalskillsconnect.com.au if you believe your information has been compromised.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary for the purposes collected, or as required by law (APP 11.2). Upon expiry of the relevant period, information is securely destroyed, permanently deleted, or de-identified.
| Information Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Candidate registration and application data | 7 years from last active engagement or placement, or longer as required by immigration law |
| Visa and migration application records | 7 years from final outcome, as required under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and MARA Code of Conduct (Schedule 2) |
| RPL and skills assessment records | 7 years from final outcome, as required by relevant assessing bodies and the AQF |
| Employer service agreements and records | 7 years from expiry of the agreement or last transaction |
| Partner agreements and commission records | 7 years from expiry of the agreement |
| Financial records (invoices, payments, GST records) | 7 years as required by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) |
| Education enrolment and student records | 7 years from last interaction, or as required by the ESOS Act 2000 (Cth) and PRISMS obligations |
| Website enquiry and contact form submissions | 3 years from date of submission |
| Marketing consent and opt-out records | Until withdrawn + 3 years thereafter to evidence compliance |
| Data breach incident records | 5 years from date of incident, per OAIC guidance |
| Website analytics and server logs | 13 months then aggregated and anonymised |
Your Rights Under Australian Privacy Law
Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the following rights:
Right of Access (APP 12)
Request access to personal information we hold about you. We will respond within 30 days. We may refuse access only in the limited circumstances set out in APP 12.3 (e.g. unlawful disclosure, serious threat to safety).
Right to Correction (APP 13)
Request correction of personal information that is inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading. We will correct within 30 days or provide written reasons if we disagree.
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of personal information we are no longer legally required to retain and for which no legitimate ongoing business purpose exists.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent to collection or processing at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing. Some services may not be deliverable if consent is withdrawn.
Right to Opt Out of Marketing
Opt out of direct marketing at any time by clicking "Unsubscribe" in any email or contacting us. Opt-out requests will be processed within 5 business days.
Right to Complain
Lodge a complaint with us (see Section 15) or directly with the OAIC if dissatisfied with how we handle your personal information.
Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
Global Skills Connect complies with the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme under Part IIIC of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If we become aware of an eligible data breach - one likely to result in serious harm to individuals - we will:
- Contain the breach and conduct a prompt assessment of whether it constitutes an "eligible data breach" under the Privacy Act (within 30 days of becoming aware)
- Notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as soon as practicable using the prescribed form
- Directly notify all affected individuals where practicable, or publish a general public notification where direct notification is not reasonably practicable
- Advise affected individuals of the nature of the breach, the information involved, recommended steps they should take, and our contact details
- Conduct a root cause analysis and implement documented remedial measures to prevent recurrence
- Record the breach in our internal incident register maintained for a minimum of 5 years
Suspected Breach - Contact Us Immediately
Email inquire@globalskillsconnect.com.au or call +61 (02) 8057 5533. We will investigate and respond promptly in accordance with our incident response procedures.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to provide functionality, analyse usage, and improve your experience.
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Consent |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for security, session management, navigation, and core Website functionality. Cannot be disabled without impacting site operation. | Not required |
| Analytics | Collect anonymised usage data (e.g. Google Analytics). Help us understand how visitors interact with our Website to improve content and user experience. | Required |
| Functionality | Remember your preferences (language, location, saved form data) across sessions to personalise your experience. | Required |
| Marketing / Targeting | Deliver relevant advertisements and measure effectiveness of marketing campaigns via platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, and LinkedIn Insight Tag. | Required |
Direct Marketing
We may use personal information to send direct marketing communications about our Services, job opportunities, visa updates, industry news, and events where: (a) you have expressly consented; or (b) you are a current or recent client and the communication relates to similar services and you have not opted out (permitted under an existing commercial relationship under the Spam Act 2003 (Cth)).
All direct marketing complies with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) and the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 (Cth):
- Every marketing communication includes a clear, functional unsubscribe mechanism
- Opt-out requests are processed within 5 business days - we maintain suppression lists to honour opt-outs
- We do not share contact details with third parties for their own direct marketing without express consent
- We do not send unsolicited SMS or conduct outbound telephone marketing without prior consent
- We identify ourselves and state the reason for each marketing communication
Children's Privacy
Our Services are directed at individuals aged 18 years and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from persons under 18 without verified parental or guardian consent. If you are under 18, please do not submit personal information without parental involvement.
If we become aware we have inadvertently collected information from a person under 18 without appropriate consent, we will promptly delete that information. If you believe we hold such information, contact us immediately at inquire@globalskillsconnect.com.au.
Third-Party Links and External Platforms
Our Website contains links to external websites not operated or controlled by Global Skills Connect, including:
- Department of Home Affairs - immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- MARA - mara.gov.au (for migration agent verification)
- OAIC - oaic.gov.au
- PR Points Calculator - immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator
- OSHC and OVHC insurance provider portals
- Skills assessment body websites (TRA, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, etc.)
- Fair Work Ombudsman - fairwork.gov.au
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other official social media platforms)
Privacy Complaints
If you believe Global Skills Connect has breached an Australian Privacy Principle or mishandled your personal information, you have the right to make a complaint. We take all privacy complaints seriously.
Complaint Procedure
- Submit your complaint in writing to inquire@globalskillsconnect.com.au with subject line "Privacy Complaint". Include your name, contact details, a description of the alleged breach, and the outcome you are seeking.
- We will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days.
- We will investigate and provide a substantive written response within 30 days. Where investigation requires additional time, we will advise you and provide an expected timeframe.
- If you are unsatisfied with our response, or we fail to respond within 30 days, you may escalate to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
- Website: www.oaic.gov.au
- Complaints: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints
- Phone: 1300 363 992 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST)
- Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Amendments to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in business practices, technology, or legal requirements. Material changes will be communicated by:
- Posting an updated Policy on our Website with a revised "Last Updated" date
- A prominent website banner displayed for not less than 30 days following a material change
Privacy Contact Details
For all privacy enquiries, access requests, correction requests, opt-out requests, or complaints, contact our Privacy Officer:
Privacy Officer - Global Skills Connect Pty Ltd
ABN 37 682 821 049 | Suite 209, 379–383 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. All privacy communications are handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).