Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Ltd (WIOA) is committed to protecting the privacy rights of all our individual members or stakeholders. WIOA respects the privacy rights of individuals and through implementing this policy, seeks to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles outlined in the Privacy Amendment Act 2012 (Commonwealth).

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to detail WIOA’s commitment to and procedures for ensuring the ongoing privacy of members and stakeholders in relation to the collection, maintenance and use of personal information.

3. Policy

WIOA is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information it collects, holds and administers. WIOA collects and administers a range of personal information for purposes including, but not limited to:

  • Enabling us to provide a service and/or products
  • Enabling us to carry out a transaction as requested
  • Allowing us to provide effective customer service
  • Allowing us to communicate other services, events and/or products.

WIOA recognises the essential right of individuals to have their information administered in ways which they would reasonably expect – protected on one hand, and made accessible to them on the other. These privacy values are reflected in and supported by our core values and philosophies.

4. Privacy Principles

The Privacy Act contains thirteen information privacy principles that provide a framework which imposes specific obligations when it comes to the collection and handling of personal information. WIOA’s commitment regarding how we will meet the requirements of the principles is outlined below.

4.1 Openness and Collection of Solicited Personal Information

WIOA is committed to openness and transparency and we welcome queries about our Privacy Policy. If members or stakeholders have any questions or suggestions about our Privacy Policy, please contact us on 03 5821 6744 or by email at [email protected]

WIOA will:

  • Collect only personal information necessary for the performance of our primary function;
  • This information can consist of names, addresses, telephone and/or fax numbers, email addresses, gender, qualifications held and date of birth.
  • We do not collect more personal information than is necessary and we collect information in a lawful and fair manner.
  • Wherever possible, we will collect personal information from members and stakeholders directly, whether by letter, telephone, facsimile, email, in person or via our website.
  • We will endeavour to provide members and stakeholders with a “collection notice” when we collect personal information. This means that we will provide information about our collection and handling of personal information.
  • Sometimes it may be necessary for us to collect personal information about members or stakeholders from third parties. If it is not practicable for us to collect this information from members or stakeholders directly, we will take reasonable steps to ensure members or stakeholders are aware of the collection.
  • We may also use third parties to collect and handle personal information on our behalf. When we engage others to undertake services or activities on our behalf, the contract or agreement will include an assurance that the privacy of members or stakeholders will be protected.

4.2 Anonymity

WIOA supports the right of our members or stakeholders to remain anonymous in their transactions with us. Where it is possible to do so, we will give members or stakeholders the option of dealing with us anonymously.

4.3 Use & Disclosure

We only use or disclose personal information for the primary purpose for which it was collected. For example, to respond to a query, to provide a service or to complete a transaction. Sometimes, we may need to use or disclose personal information for a secondary purpose. We will only do this with the consent of the member or stakeholder, or where legislation otherwise authorises the use or disclosure.

4.4 Sensitive Personal Information

We do not usually collect sensitive information. If we do, it will be with the consent of members or stakeholders, or as otherwise authorised by the Privacy Act.

4.5 Unique Identifiers

We do not use unique identifiers unless it is necessary to enable us to carry out our functions efficiently. “Unique identifiers” are identifiers (usually a number) used to identify individuals uniquely.

4.6 Data Quality

We will take reasonable steps to make sure the personal information we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date.

4.7 Data Security

We are committed to holding the personal information of members or stakeholders securely. We will take reasonable steps to destroy or de identify personal information if it is no longer needed and if the law permits us to do so.

4.8 Access and Correction

Members or stakeholders have certain rights to access and correct their own personal information. If members or stakeholders wish to access or correct their own personal information, they should email or write to WIOA. All queries will be dealt with promptly and under the appropriate legislation.

4.9 Complaints

Members or stakeholders have the opportunity to make a complaint if they believe WIOA’s has breached their privacy. If you believe a breach has occurred, please do not hesitate to contact the WIOA Privacy Officer and we will endeavour to resolve your issue.

Contact us

Contacting us regarding a privacy issue

Privacy Officer
Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Ltd
PO Box 6012, Shepparton, Victoria, 3632
Australia

Phone: +61 3 5821 6744
Fax: +61 3 5821 6033
Email: [email protected]

Authorised by: WIOA Chairman, Mr Jim Martin
Effective Date: 24 July 2014
Review Date: 24 July 2016

Normal web site usage statement

You can visit our web site at www.wioa.org.au and view information about WIOA, its services and events, corporate partners, view archived conference papers etc, without telling WIOA who you are and without revealing any personal information. When users visit our web site, we track only the following information:

  • Internet Service Provider
  • Pages requested by each user
  • Time and date of user requests

Tracking or passive information collection technologies
A cookie is a small text file that is stored on a user’s computer for record-keeping purposes. We use cookies on the WIOA website. We do not link the information we store in cookies to any personally identifiable information you submit while on our site. We use session ID cookies to make it easier for you to navigate our site. A session ID cookie expires when you close you browser. If you reject cookies, you may still use our site, but your ability to use some areas of our site will be limited.

External sites
You may be able to access external websites from the WIOA site by clicking on links we have provided.  Those websites are not subject to this privacy policy and we are not responsible for their privacy practices or the content of such other websites.  You should contact those websites directly to ascertain their privacy standards, policies and procedures.