Online Investigations Pty Ltd
ACN 157 800 845
Investigation Engagement Terms
Last Updated: 3 March 2026
1. Application of These Terms
These Investigation Engagement Terms govern all investigative and related services provided by Online Investigations Pty Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) to the instructing client (“you”, “your”).
An engagement arises when we confirm acceptance of instructions in writing. By confirming acceptance of a quotation (including by email), you agree to be bound by these terms.
2. Scope of Services
Services are limited to the scope described in our written quotation or confirmation. We provide investigative and intelligence services only and do not provide legal advice.
Any variation to scope must be agreed in writing and may result in additional fees.
3. Fees and Payment
Fees are as set out in our written quotation. Unless otherwise agreed:
- a deposit may be required prior to commencement;
- the balance is payable prior to release of the final report or within the invoice period specified;
- we may suspend services where payment is overdue.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
Due to the nature of investigative services, fees are charged for the time, expertise, and resources applied to the agreed scope of work. We do not guarantee a particular outcome.
If you cancel before work commences, we may refund amounts paid less any reasonable administrative or preparation costs.
If work has commenced, fees are generally non-refundable. Where appropriate, we may, at our discretion, provide a partial refund having regard to the work completed and costs incurred.
Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
5. Conflicts of Interest
Prior to accepting instructions, we conduct internal conflict checks. We reserve the right to decline or cease acting where we identify an actual or potential conflict of interest that cannot be appropriately managed.
Where appropriate, we may disclose the existence of a conflict (without breaching confidentiality) and determine whether the engagement can proceed.
6. Lawful Purpose and Client Warranty
You warrant that:
- your instructions are lawful;
- you have a proper legal basis for seeking the services;
- you are not subject to any court order or restriction that would render the engagement unlawful;
- information provided by us will be used only for lawful and proper purposes.
We reserve the right to decline or cease acting where we reasonably believe instructions are unlawful, misleading, or inconsistent with professional or legal obligations.
7. Compliance with Law
We conduct investigations in accordance with applicable legislation, including surveillance, licensing, and privacy laws. Nothing in these terms requires us to undertake any activity that would breach applicable law.
8. Confidentiality
We will treat client information as confidential, subject to legal obligations and necessary disclosure to subcontract investigators or professional service providers engaged on a confidential basis.
You must treat all reports, findings, and communications from us as confidential. This obligation continues unless and until the information becomes public through no fault of the receiving party.
9. Reliance and Use of Reports
Reports and information provided by us are prepared solely for the instructing client for the purpose described in the engagement.
They must not be relied upon by any third party without our prior written consent. We accept no responsibility to any person other than the instructing client.
10. Subcontractors
We may engage subcontract investigators or specialist service providers where reasonably required. Such parties are engaged subject to confidentiality and appropriate professional obligations.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
-
Our total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with the engagement is limited to the lesser of:
- $10,000,000; or
- the amount recoverable under our professional indemnity insurance in respect of the relevant claim.
- We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or economic loss, including loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or reputational harm.
- We are not liable for decisions made by you or your client based on information provided by us.
12. Indemnity
You indemnify us against any claim, loss, liability, or expense arising from:
- your breach of these terms;
- your unlawful or improper use of information supplied by us; or
- false or misleading information provided by you.
13. Data Handling
Personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Investigative files are stored in secure cloud-based systems, which may include systems hosted outside Australia.
14. Termination
Either party may terminate the engagement in writing. Fees incurred up to the date of termination remain payable.
We may immediately terminate where instructions are unlawful, misleading, unsafe, or inconsistent with professional obligations.
15. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. The courts of Victoria have exclusive jurisdiction.