Terms of Use & Membership Terms

Welcome to Carpentry Australia (“CA”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

These Terms govern your access to and use of the Carpentry Australia website, membership platform, directories, courses, verification services, and related systems (the Platform).

By creating an account, registering as a member or apprentice, or using the Platform, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Age

You must be:

• at least 18 years old, or
• 16–17 years old with parent or legal guardian consent (see section 15).

Children under 16 may not register or use the Platform.

1.2 Legal capacity

You warrant that you:

• are legally capable of entering these Terms; and
• will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

1.3 Accurate information

You must provide information that is :

• true
• current
• accurate
• not misleading

You must promptly update your details if they change.

2. Account Security

You are responsible for:

• maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• all activity under your account

You must notify CA immediately of any unauthorised use.
We may suspend or disable accounts suspected of compromise or misuse.

3. Membership Types

CA may offer different access types, including :

• paid members
• free users
• apprentices
• trainees
• guests

Different features, pricing, and restrictions may apply to each category.

4. Fees, Payments & Renewals (Paid Members Only)

4.1 Fees

Membership fees are displayed at sign-up and may be:

• inclusive or exclusive of GST (as stated).

4.2 Payment responsibility

You are responsible for all membership fees and charges.

4.3 Renewals

Memberships may automatically renew unless cancelled prior to renewal.

4.4 Price changes

CA may change pricing at any time. Changes apply only at the next renewal period, and reasonable notice will be provided.

4.5 Refunds

Fees are non-refundable once services have commenced, except where required by law. Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

4.6 Failed payments

We may suspend or cancel accounts where payments fail or remain outstanding.

5. Platform Purpose

CA operates as :

• an industry association
• a connection and information platform
• a verification and education provider

We are not :

• an employer
• a labour hire provider
• a contractor
• a guarantor of work.

Members operate independently.

6. Public Profiles & Verification

You acknowledge that :

• your profile may be publicly visible
• CA may display qualifications, apprenticeship status, or verification indicators
• visibility supports trust and transparency in the industry

You warrant that all submitted documentation is genuine.
Providing false or misleading information may result in :

• suspension or termination
• removal of verification
• reporting to relevant authorities

7. User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of content you submit, including:

• photos
• profile details
• posts
• testimonials
• documents

However, you grant CA a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to:

• host
• store
• display
• reproduce
• use

that content for operating, promoting, and improving the Platform.

You must not upload content that:

• infringes intellectual property
• is defamatory or misleading
• breaches privacy
• is unlawful or unsafe

8. Intellectual Property

All Platform materials remain the property of CA or its licensors, including:

• courses
• training materials
• processes
• designs
• software
• branding
• verification systems

You must not:

• copy
• scrape
• reproduce
• screen record
• reverse engineer
• resell
• redistribute

any part of the Platform without written consent. Unauthorised use may result in legal action.

9. Acceptable Conduct

You must use the Platform professionally and lawfully. The following is prohibited:

• harassment or bullying
• discrimination
• scams or phishing
• misleading conduct
• impersonation
• defamation
• unlawful or unsafe work practices
• interfering with Platform systems

CA may investigate misconduct and take action including suspension or termination.

10. Marketplace & Service Disclaimer

CA:

• does not guarantee workmanship
• does not guarantee job outcomes
• does not guarantee payments
• is not responsible for disputes between users

All arrangements between users are solely their responsibility.

You are responsible for:

• your own contracts
• insurance
• licences
• safety compliance
• legal obligations

11. Liability Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, CA is not liable for:

• disputes between users
• job performance outcomes
• payment issues
• reliance on user information
• third-party acts or omissions
• service interruptions or downtime
• technical failures
• data loss

CA’s total liability is limited to the amount paid by you in the previous 12 months (or $100 for free users), where permitted by law.
Nothing excludes rights under the ACL that cannot be excluded.

12. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify CA for any loss, damage, or expense arising from:

• breach of these Terms
• negligence or unlawful conduct
• misuse of the Platform
• false or misleading information
• infringement of third-party rights

This includes reasonable legal and enforcement costs.

13. Privacy

Personal information is handled in accordance with:

• the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
• Australian Privacy Principles

We implement reasonable safeguards, but no online system is completely secure.

We may use trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors or hosting providers).

You may request access to or correction of your information.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for details.

14. Suspension & Termination

CA may suspend or terminate accounts at its discretion for:

• breach of these Terms
• misconduct
• illegal activity
• unpaid fees
• risk to the Platform or members

Termination ends your right to access the Platform.

Outstanding obligations survive termination.

15. Minors & Apprentices (Under 18)

15.1 Parental consent required

If you are under 18:

• you may only use the Platform with parent or legal guardian consent

15.2 Consent scope

A parent/guardian must consent to:

• collection of personal information
• display of name, photo, and verification details
• agreement to these Terms on the minor’s behalf

15.3 Restrictions

CA may:

• restrict profile visibility
• limit functionality
• refuse activation

until consent is verified.

15.4 Records

CA may retain records of consent for compliance purposes.

16. Changes to the Platform or Terms

We may:

• modify features
• add or remove services
• update these Terms

Material changes will be communicated where reasonably practicable.

Continued use constitutes acceptance.

17. Notices

We may provide notices via:

• email
• platform notifications
• website publication

These methods are deemed effective communication.

18. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.

Any disputes must be brought in the courts of Victoria.

19. Acceptance

By creating an account or clicking “I Agree”, you confirm that you:

• have read these Terms
• understand them
• agree to be legally bound

Last updated: 19 February 2026