Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

CreteMate (“the App”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is a hiring platform operated by Defiant Software that connects businesses and subcontractors in the concrete and construction industry across Australia.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect through the CreteMate mobile app and the cretemate.com website, how we use and share it, how we protect it, and the choices and rights you have. We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By using the App or the website, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account information: when you create an account we collect details such as your name, email address, phone number, account type (business or subcontractor), and for businesses, your Australian Business Number (ABN), which we verify against public ABN records.

• Profile information: profile photos, trade skills, tickets, licences, insurances, availability, and other details you choose to add to your profile.
• Content you post: job posts, project photos, offers, applications, ratings, reviews, and messages sent to other users through the App.
• Location data: with your permission, your device's GPS location. Businesses may share a job's location so subcontractors can find it; subcontractors may share their location to see how far away jobs are and to receive nearby job notifications.
• Payment information: subscriptions are processed by Stripe. We do not store your full card details — payment details are collected and processed by Stripe, and we retain only subscription status and billing records.
• Device and usage data: device type, app version, push notification tokens, and diagnostic information used to keep the App working reliably.
• Website data: our website uses analytics and advertising tools (including the Meta Pixel) that collect information about your visit through cookies and similar technologies.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account and verify business ABNs.
• To operate the platform — showing job posts, profiles, ratings, and availability to other users so businesses and subcontractors can connect.
• To match jobs with nearby subcontractors and estimate distances between you and jobs.
• To process subscriptions and payments through Stripe.
• To send you notifications about jobs, offers, applications, and messages.
• To moderate content, enforce our Terms of Service, and keep the platform safe.
• To provide customer support and respond to your enquiries.
• To improve the App and website, and to measure the effectiveness of our advertising.

4. Location Data

Location access is optional and only used with your permission. We use your GPS location to help subcontractors find job locations, to estimate how far jobs are from you, and to send relevant nearby job notifications. Your precise location is not shared with third parties for their own purposes. You can withdraw location permission at any time in your device settings — the App will continue to work, though distance-based features will be limited.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

• With other users: your profile, posted content, ratings, reviews, and — where you choose to share it — job or availability locations are visible to other users of the platform. Messages are visible to the people you message.
• With service providers who help us run the platform: Google Firebase (authentication, database, file storage, cloud functions, and push notifications), Stripe (payment processing), and the Australian Business Register (ABN verification). These providers process data on our behalf under their own privacy and security obligations.
• For legal reasons: where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of CreteMate, our users, or the public.
• Business transfers: if CreteMate or Defiant Software is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase infrastructure. Data is encrypted in transit, and access is restricted through authentication and security rules so users can only access data they are authorised to see. While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Some of our service providers (such as Google and Stripe) may store or process data on servers located outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.

7. Data Retention and Account Deletion

We keep your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. You can delete your account at any time from the Settings page in the App — this removes your account and associated personal data from the platform. We may retain limited information where required for legal, accounting, or dispute-resolution purposes, and content you shared with other users (such as messages or reviews) may remain visible to them.

If you have trouble deleting your account, contact us at the email below and we will process the deletion for you.

8. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and correction: you can view and update most of your information directly in the App, or contact us to request access to or correction of your personal information.
• Deletion: you can delete your account in the App or ask us to delete your data.
• Permissions: you can control location, camera, photo, and notification permissions in your device settings at any time.
• Marketing: you can opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe option or by contacting us.
• Complaints: if you believe we have mishandled your personal information, contact us first and we will respond within a reasonable time. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

9. Children's Privacy

CreteMate is intended for people aged 18 and over working in the construction industry. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a person under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Third-Party Services

The App and website rely on third-party services that have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them:

• Google Firebase — policies.google.com/privacy
• Stripe — stripe.com/privacy
• Meta (website pixel) — facebook.com/privacy/policy
• Apple App Store and Google Play — their respective privacy policies apply to app downloads and in-store activity.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page, and for significant changes we may notify you through the App. Continued use of the App or website after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, contact us at: