1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy outlines how the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), manages personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

This policy also applies to all programs and initiatives supported by the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), including but not limited to Science Assist. 

We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information.

By using our website, products, services or participating in our events or activities, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. How we collect personal information

We collect personal information from you in a variety of ways including:

• when you register as a user of our website or mobile applications
• when you subscribe to an ASTA service
• in face-to-face meetings or telephone conversations
• in postal, phone, facsimile, email, electronic, mobile application or social media correspondence
• in forms, surveys or questionnaires filled out by you
• when you request information from us
• when you register, use or interact with our products and services, content, publications, resources, events, activities, marketing or advertising
• when you use or interact with our website, social media sites, mobile applications or other related resources or sites, including a log of your interactions such as search queries, third-party links accessed, and general site activity, often tracked through cookies (see section 5)

We may also collect personal information about you from third parties where it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect it from you directly.

3. The information we collect

The types of personal information we may collect include:

• your name
• your employment or school contact details
• your role within your organisation
• payment details (we do not collect credit card information)
• information relating to products and services we have provided to you or that you have enquired about, including additional information necessary to deliver those products and services and respond to your enquiries
• information you provide directly or indirectly through your contact with us, including via our website, social media sites, mobile applications or other related resources or sites
• information to enhance your experience of our products and services, activities, events, website, social media or other platforms
• your IP address, related domain, browser, computer and connection information, statistics on page views, traffic to and from sites, ad data, device ID, device type and geo-location information
• information you provide through surveys, events, competitions, sponsorship or marketing and advertising communications
• any other personal information relevant to your relationship with us

We also collect non-personal, de-identified and aggregated data for reporting, research, funding, sponsorship, tenders and promotional purposes.

4. How we use your information

We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information in order to deliver our products and services. The main purposes for which we handle personal information include:

• to communicate with you and your school or organisation
• in relation to events that you have registered for, including use of your name and organisation details in attendee lists
• to maintain contact with you
• to provide access to and support your use of our products, services, events, activities, website, mobile applications and related resources
• to develop, operate and improve our services, including through analytics and research
• to inform you about updates, news, opportunities and relevant marketing or promotional material
• to manage surveys, questionnaires or events funded, sponsored or managed by us
• to respond to requests, questions or complaints
• for internal management, reporting and record keeping
• to comply with legal obligations

We may share non-personal, de-identified and aggregated information for research, funding, grants, sponsorship, tender or promotional purposes.

5. Cookies and web tracking

We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website, applications and related platforms. This includes collecting browsing data such as your IP address, the pages you visit, the time and date of your visit, and how you interact with our content.

We do not use this browsing information to identify you personally.

Cookies help us understand user behaviour, improve our services, and tailor content to your preferences. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies, though some functionality may be affected.

6. Protecting your personal information

Security

We take reasonable steps to ensure the security of the personal information we hold, whether stored electronically or in physical form. This includes safeguards to protect it from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will notify the affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.

Accuracy of information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete, up to date and relevant to the purpose for which it was collected. You can help us maintain accurate records by notifying us of any changes to your personal details.

Access and correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you. Where reasonable and practicable, and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we will provide access. You may also request correction of personal information if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, irrelevant or misleading.

Requests should be directed to [email protected] . We may require verification of identity before processing any request and will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Making a complaint

If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may lodge a complaint with us. Please contact us using the details provided below and include your name, contact details and a description of your concern. We take privacy complaints seriously and will investigate your complaint promptly and respond in writing.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
www.oaic.gov.au | Phone: 1300 363 992

Contacting us about privacy

For further information about this privacy policy, or to request access, correction or lodge a privacy complaint, please contact:

Phone: +61 2 9346 9600
Email: [email protected]
Postal: Level 14, 275 Alfred St
North Sydney, NSW 2060