Legal
Terms and Conditions
The rules and regulations governing the use of our services and website.
Last updated: December 2024
Please read these terms carefully before using our services.
Quick Summary
- • By using our services, you agree to these terms
- • We provide aged care, NDIS, and allied health services across Australia
- • Service fees depend on your funding arrangement and service type
- • 48 hours notice required for cancellations
- • We maintain your privacy and handle complaints seriously
- • Either party may terminate services with appropriate notice
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using the services provided by Southern Care Staff Pty Ltd ("we", "us", "our", "the Company"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.
These terms apply to all visitors, clients, participants, and anyone who accesses or uses our services, including aged care, NDIS support, and allied health services.
We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
2. Services Description
Southern Care Staff provides a range of care and support services including:
• Aged Care Services (Home Care Packages, CHSP, Private Care)
• NDIS Support Services (Home & Community Support, SIL)
• Allied Health Services (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology)
• Veteran's Home Care (DVA-funded services)
All services are provided in accordance with:
• The Aged Care Quality Standards
• NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct
• Relevant Australian health and safety regulations
• Professional codes of conduct for allied health practitioners
Service delivery is subject to availability, eligibility criteria, and funding arrangements. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue services with reasonable notice.
3. Client Responsibilities
As a client or participant, you agree to:
• Provide accurate and complete information about your care needs
• Notify us of any changes to your health, circumstances, or contact details
• Treat our staff with respect and dignity
• Maintain a safe environment for service delivery
• Comply with agreed care plans and service agreements
• Pay fees and charges as agreed
• Provide reasonable notice for appointment cancellations
• Report any concerns or incidents promptly
Failure to meet these responsibilities may affect our ability to provide services.
4. Fees and Payment
Service fees vary depending on:
• Type of service provided
• Funding arrangement (government-funded or private)
• Duration and frequency of services
• Location and time of service delivery
For government-funded services:
• Fees are determined by your funding package and contribution requirements
• We will provide transparent information about any gaps or additional costs
• We submit claims directly to relevant funding bodies
For private services:
• Fees will be outlined in your service agreement
• Payment is due within 14 days of invoice
• We accept various payment methods including direct debit
Late payment may result in service suspension. All fees are subject to change with 30 days notice.
5. Cancellation and Rescheduling
We understand that circumstances change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Standard Cancellations:
• 48 hours notice required for appointment cancellations
• Less than 48 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee (up to 100% of service cost)
• Repeated late cancellations may affect service continuity
Emergency Cancellations:
• Genuine emergencies (hospitalisation, acute illness) will not incur fees
• Please notify us as soon as possible in emergency situations
Our Cancellations:
• We will provide as much notice as possible if we need to reschedule
• We will offer alternative times or replacement staff where available
• We will not charge for services we cancel
NDIS participants: Cancellation policies align with NDIS Price Guide requirements.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
• Our liability for any claim arising from services is limited to the fees paid for those specific services
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• We do not guarantee specific health outcomes or results
• We are not responsible for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our control
However, nothing in these terms limits our liability for:
• Personal injury or death caused by our negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot be excluded by Australian Consumer Law
We maintain appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
7. Termination of Services
Either party may terminate services:
By You:
• Provide 7 days written notice for regular services
• No notice required if you are unsatisfied with service quality (we encourage feedback first)
By Us:
• With 14 days notice for non-urgent reasons
• Immediately if there is risk to staff safety
• Immediately for non-payment exceeding 30 days
• If you breach these terms and conditions
Upon termination:
• Outstanding fees remain payable
• We will assist with transition to alternative providers where possible
• Records will be retained as per legal requirements
• Any complaints or feedback will still be addressed
8. Intellectual Property
All content on our website and materials, including:
• Text, graphics, logos, and images
• Care resources and educational materials
• Software and underlying code
Are the property of Southern Care Staff Pty Ltd and are protected by Australian and international copyright laws.
You may not:
• Reproduce, distribute, or modify our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorisation
• Copy our care plans or proprietary methodologies
You may download or print content for personal, non-commercial use only.
9. Dispute Resolution
We are committed to resolving disputes fairly and efficiently:
Step 1 - Direct Resolution:
• Contact us directly to discuss your concerns
• We aim to resolve issues within 7 business days
Step 2 - Internal Review:
• Request a formal review by our management team
• We will investigate and respond within 14 business days
Step 3 - External Resolution:
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (aged care complaints)
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS complaints)
• Health Complaints Commissioner in your state/territory
• Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs in your state/territory
These terms are governed by the laws of Australia. Any legal proceedings must be brought in Australian courts.
10. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
Southern Care Staff Pty Ltd
Email: info@southerncarestaff.com.au
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM AEST
We are committed to providing clear and transparent information about our services and policies. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need clarification on any aspect of these terms.
Agreement
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact us before proceeding.