Privacy Policy

1. Our commitment to privacy

Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance Ltd (ASSA) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information we collect and hold.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose personal information, including information provided through our website and as part of ASSA membership.

We handle personal information in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles where they apply.

Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

2. Information we collect

The personal information we collect depends on how you interact with ASSA.

This may include:

• your name;
• organisation or business name;
• Australian Business Number (ABN);
• position or role;
• email address;
• telephone number;
• postal or business address;
• membership type and status;
• information relating to your membership application, renewal or payment;
• communication preferences;
• information you provide when completing a survey, form or enquiry; and
• other information you choose to provide when communicating with us.

We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for ASSA’s activities and services.

3. Membership information

When you apply for or renew ASSA membership, we may collect information needed to:

• process and administer your membership;
• maintain our membership records;
• manage membership renewals;
• provide access to member services, resources and benefits;
• communicate with you about ASSA membership, activities, industry information, events and member opportunities;
• seek member feedback or participation in surveys; and
• manage our relationship with you as an ASSA member.

ASSA uses Kit to manage member contact information and membership communications.

Member information is used for purposes connected with ASSA membership and the activities and services ASSA provides to its members. We do not sell member contact information to third parties.

4. Membership payments

ASSA uses Stripe to process online membership payments.

When you make a payment, your payment information is provided to and processed by Stripe in accordance with Stripe’s terms and privacy practices.

ASSA does not store your full credit or debit card details. We may retain information about the transaction that is reasonably necessary to administer your membership and maintain appropriate financial and membership records, such as payment status, amount and transaction date.

5. How we collect personal information

We generally collect personal information directly from you, including when you:

• apply for or renew membership;
• complete a form on our website;
• make a membership payment;
• subscribe to or receive ASSA communications;
• participate in an ASSA survey, event or activity;
• contact or correspond with us; or
• otherwise provide information to ASSA.

In some circumstances we may receive personal information from another organisation or individual where this is reasonably necessary for ASSA’s activities. We will handle that information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

If you provide personal information about another individual, for example a voting representative or additional contact at your organisation, you confirm that you are authorised to provide that information to ASSA and that the individual is aware of this Privacy Policy.

6. How we use personal information

We may use personal information to:

• administer ASSA membership;
• provide member services, resources and benefits;
• process and record membership payments and renewals;
• communicate with members about ASSA activities, services, events, industry developments and opportunities relevant to membership;
• respond to enquiries and requests;
• conduct member surveys and seek feedback;
• manage events and other ASSA activities;
• maintain and improve our website, services and member experience;
• maintain appropriate administrative and financial records; and
• comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

We will not use personal information for an unrelated purpose unless permitted or required by law.

7. Communications

ASSA may communicate with members by email or other contact details they provide.

Membership communications may include membership administration and renewals, ASSA news and updates, member services, industry information, events, surveys and opportunities relevant to ASSA membership.

Where applicable, our electronic communications provide a way to unsubscribe or update your communication preferences. Some administrative communications may still be necessary to manage an active membership.

8. Disclosure and service providers

ASSA may disclose personal information to third parties where reasonably necessary to operate the organisation and provide our membership services.

These may include:

• Kit, which ASSA uses to manage member information and communications;
• Stripe, which ASSA uses to process online payments;
• website, technology and hosting service providers;
• professional advisers and contractors who provide services to ASSA; and
• government, regulatory or law enforcement bodies where disclosure is required or authorised by law.

We do not sell personal information or provide member contact information to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

9. Overseas processing and storage

Some of the technology and service providers ASSA uses may store or process personal information outside Australia.

For example, Kit and some of its service providers process information in the United States.

Where ASSA uses overseas service providers, we take reasonable steps appropriate to the circumstances to ensure personal information is handled consistently with applicable Australian privacy requirements.

10. Security and retention

ASSA takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Personal information may be held electronically through ASSA’s website, membership and communication systems and other secure business systems.

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including membership administration, financial and legal record-keeping requirements.

When personal information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to destroy it or de-identify it where required by law.

No method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect the information entrusted to us.

11. Accessing and correcting your information

You may request access to personal information ASSA holds about you or ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.

Requests can be made by contacting ASSA at:

We may need to verify your identity before providing access or making changes.

In some circumstances permitted by law, we may refuse access to particular information. If this occurs, we will explain the reason where required.

12. Privacy complaints

If you have a question or complaint about how ASSA has handled your personal information, please contact us:

We will consider privacy complaints and respond within a reasonable period.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be entitled to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

13. Website information and cookies

When you visit the ASSA website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, such as your browser type, device information, IP address and information about how the website is used.

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, understand website usage and improve the visitor experience.

Third-party services used on our website, including payment and technology providers, may also use cookies or similar technologies in connection with the services they provide.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect some website functionality.

14. Third-party websites

The ASSA website may contain links to websites operated by third parties.

ASSA is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of those organisations when providing personal information to them.

15. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our activities, services, technology or legal obligations.

The current version will be published on the ASSA website with the date it was last updated.