Our application and administration processes involve collecting and using personal information. Here's where you can learn about our privacy policy, complaints procedure and accessing freedom of information.
The Board privacy policy
The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) requires entities bound by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) to have a privacy policy. The Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (the Board) must comply with the Privacy Act and the APPs.
Our privacy policy outlines the personal information handling practices of the Board.
The specific legal obligations of the Board when collecting and handling your personal information are outlined in the Privacy Act and in the APPs. Find out more from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Extra safeguards for high privacy risk projects
The Privacy (Australian Government Agencies – Governance) APP Code 2017 (Cth) (the APP Code) requires that all agencies, including the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board and the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Disciplinary Tribunal, conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for all high privacy risk projects.
A register of these PIAs is held by IP Australia and will be published on this website with completed PIAs as required. The APP Code came into effect on 1 July 2018 and as of June 2022 there have been no projects requiring a PIA.
How to make a complaint about misuse of personal information
IP Australia
The Board is a micro-agency without its own office and the resources usually expected of Australian Government agencies. As a result, the Board has authorised IP Australia to deal with any matters relating to the handling of personal information.
Try to resolve your complaint with IP Australia before contacting the Information Commissioner.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
If you are dissatisfied with the way the Board handles your privacy complaint you can refer the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) gives people the right to:
- Request access to copies of documents we hold (except for exempt documents)
- Ask for personal information to be changed or annotated if it is incomplete, out of date, incorrect or misleading
- Seek a review of a decision we have made to:
- deny access to a document
- defer access to a document
- refuse to amend or annotate personal information.
The FOI Act provides exemptions that allow us to refuse access to documents for specific reasons including being legally privileged, confidential or in the interests of third parties.
How to make a request for information
IP Australia
The Board is a micro-agency without its own office and the resources usually expected of Australian Government agencies. As a result, the Board has authorised IP Australia to deal with any matters relating to the handling of FOI requests. You should direct your enquiry to IP Australia.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
If you are dissatisfied with the way IP Australia handles your FOI request you can refer the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).