The Association is bound by the National Privacy Principles that establish the benchmark for how personal information should be handled. These principles have been adopted by the Association as part of its standard business procedures. All personal information obtained by the Association is dealt with in a uniform manner and every effort is made to maintain its security.

The Association holds personal information about Fellows, trainees, applicants for training, suppliers, conference delegates and other individuals who interact with the Association. This information includes name, address, phone number, fax number and email address, and may also include other personal information and financial information. This information facilitates the provision of services by the Association such as providing information to members, organising continuing education and training programmes, administering the Association and allows the Association to maintain the required records of membership. 

The Association has a policy of not disclosing personal information contained on its database to any outside body. Use of the database containing personal information is restricted solely to the Association although, where required to do so by law, the Association will disclose personal information about a member.

A directory of surgeons is maintained by the Association for the purpose of providing a service to the public and this information is available on the website of the Association. The information disclosed consists of the surgeon’s name, suburb in which the practice is located and the practice telephone number. All surgeons have the right to have their name removed from the directory upon request.

Upon request, the Association will inform you of the type of personal information held about you. Members have the right to access their personal information stored on computer, on a database, in personal files or in any other form at the Association to ensure that it is accurate. 

If you would like to exercise your right to access, correct or update any personal information held by the Association, please contact our Privacy Officer. It is our policy that all requests for access be made in writing. Our Privacy Officer will arrange for an access form to be sent to you and can assist with any enquiries you may have about the process. We will respond to all requests for access within 30 days and in most cases will be able to respond well before that time.

If you are concerned that the Association may have handled your personal information inappropriately, please contact our Privacy Officer on 02 9233 3018 or at admin@aoa.org.au.   All privacy enquiries are taken seriously and we will endeavour to deal with them promptly.