Privacy Policy

General

The EASSI-PC (Evidence-based Antimicrobial Stewardship: Sustainable Implementation in Primary Care) Project, hereafter referred to as ‘project’, is committed to protecting your privacy. 

As a multi-university research initiative, this project complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, and the Privacy, Data Security, and Research Data Management frameworks of Bond University, the University of Melbourne, Adelaide University , and the University of Newcastle.  

This Privacy Policy explains how the project collects, uses, stores, and manages personal information obtained through the website. This Privacy Policy applies only to the website, not the entire research project, which have additional consent and participant information processes. 

Definitions

Personal Information: Any information or opinion that identifies or can reasonably identify an individual either directly (e.g., name, email address) or indirectly. 

Sensitive Information: Any information relating to health, professional registration, or other classified categories under the Privacy Act.  

Non-Identifiable Information: Any information that cannot identify an individual (e.g., aggregated analytics, anonymised data). 

User-Submitted Content: Any information or other material voluntarily provided by a user through forms, submissions, or interactive features on this website. 

Who We Are

The EASSI‑PC project is a national MRFF‑funded research collaboration led by Bond University, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Adelaide University, and the University of Newcastle. The project website supports research, engagement, education, and dissemination activities related to the project’s efforts in implementing and increasing awareness of different antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies in primary care. 

Information We Collect

We collect two types of information through this website: identifiable information (information that can reasonably identify an individual) and non-identifiable information (information that does not identify an individual). 

We collect two types of information through this website: 

  • Identifiable information – information that can reasonably identify an individual 
  • Non-identifiable information – information that does not identify an individual 

Identifiable information 

Identifiable information is collected only when voluntarily provided by you through this website. This may include:  

  • Name (if voluntarily provided through our website forms or newsletter subscription)  
  • Email address (if provided to receive updates, newsletters, or follow-up communication)  
  • Practice name (if voluntarily included when subscribing or contacting us) 
  • Any additional information voluntarily submitted via our website contact forms (including public quotes in Consumer’s Voice section), email correspondence or identifiable names mentioned during our recorded webinars.  as a category of user submission. 

 
All handling of identifiable information follows Bond University’s Research Data Management and Sharing Policy, Human Research Ethics Policy, and the project’s approved Data Management Plan. Identifiable information is not included in research outputs and is removed or de-identified during data processing in accordance with ethical and legislative requirements. 

Non-Identifiable Information 
We also collect non-identifiable information that cannot be used to identify you personally. This information is passively collected through website analytics and cookies and may include: 

  • Anonymised IP address 
  • Device and browser type 
  • Pages visited and time/date of access 
  • Referring websites 
  • Cookie and tracking information 

This information is used only in aggregated form for reporting, website optimisation, and research communication. No individual user can be identified from this data. 

When Information is Collected

Information may be collected when you: 

  • Visit our website  
  • Register for webinars, newsletters, or project updates  
  • Submit voluntary stories or feedback 
  • Contact the project team via website forms or email  

Sensitive and Research‑Specific Information 

As part of ethics-approved research activities, we may collect information relating to professional role, clinical experience, or practice characteristics. No patient-level data is collected through this website. 

User-Submitted Content

We may collect text, quotes, stories, comments, questions, feedback, expressions of interest, or other material voluntarily submitted through this website, including submissions to the Consumer’s Voice section. 

By submitting content, you acknowledge and consent that: 

  • The project may store, review, and use the content for research, communication, or publication purposes. 
  • Any personal identifiers (such as names) will be removed before publication. 
  • Submissions must not include identifiable information about third parties (e.g. patients or colleagues). 
  • Content may be published on the website or in project materials in de-identified form only. 

How We Use Your Information

Information collected is used strictly for: 

  • Conducting the EASSI‑PC research in accordance with ethics approval. 
  • Understanding the uptake of the different resources provided on the website.
  • Improving website functionality and engagement. 
  • Developing tailored strategies to increase the uptake and website access for users. 
  • Meeting institutional, ethical, and reporting requirements. 
 

Identifiable information is never used in research outputs unless fully de-identified. Non-identifiable user-submitted content may be published on this website. We do not use any personal information for commercial marketing. 

Legal Basis for Collection

Information is collected in accordance with: 

  • Human Research Ethics Committee approval 
  • The Australian Privacy Act 1988 
  • Institutional research governance requirements 
  • Participant consent (explicit or implied, depending on activity) 
  • Implied consent applies where users voluntarily submit information via online forms 

Storage, Security, and Retention

Personal information collected through this website (including via email) is stored securely within Bond University’s managed digital infrastructure. 

Security measures include: 

  • Password-protected systems and controlled user access 
  • Storage on secure servers with appropriate technical safeguards 
  • Access limited to authorised research and support personnel 
 

Retention practices follow institutional and research governance obligations. In general: 

  • Subscription and contact data are retained until you unsubscribe or request removal, unless required for longer by law or governance requirements. 
  • Website analytics data are retained in aggregated or anonymised form for reporting and operational purposes. 
  • Research data and documentation: retained for 15 years in line with Australian research standards and securely destroyed thereafter. 

Use of Cookies & Analytics

This site uses cookies and analytics technologies to help monitor website performance, understand how visitors engage with our content, and support accessibility and functionality. These tools allow us to make improvements to your experience and ensure the Site operates effectively. 

When you visit our website, we may record and log information for statistical, security, and operational purposes, including (but not limited to): 

  • the IP address of the device you are using or a dynamically allocated IP address 
  • the date and time of your visit 
  • the pages viewed, documents accessed, and (where applicable) the number of files downloaded 
  • the file size of pages or documents downloaded 
  • your browser type, device type, and screen resolution 
  • the referring page (the page visited immediately prior to entering our website) 
  • time spent on pages and navigation patterns 
  • cookie and tracking information used to support website functionality 

Cookies are small files stored on your device through your web browser. They enable the website to recognise your device and support functions such as navigation, session management, analytics, and accessibility. Cookies and similar technologies can only store information that the website already has or that you voluntarily provide. 

The EASSI-PC website may use the following types of cookies: 

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function properly. Disabling these cookies may affect basic site features. 
  • Analytical Cookies: Used to measure website traffic, user behaviour, frequency of visits, and engagement with content.  

We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels for marketing, or personalised advertising technologies. 

You may disable non-essential cookies through their browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features or functionality of the website. 

Website Analytics and Resource Interaction Tracking  

The EASSI-PC website uses privacy-focused analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with website content and resources. This includes measuring engagement with pages, downloadable documents (such as newsletters), and embedded media (such as webinar videos). 

The information collected through these tools is non-identifiable and aggregated and may include: 

  • Approximate geographic location (e.g. state, suburb, or postcode derived from IP address) 
  • Pages visited and resources accessed 
  • Interaction with embedded content (e.g. playing a video) 
  • Date and time of access and general usage patterns 

Exact location data (such as GPS coordinates), names, email addresses, or other personally identifiable information are not collected through website analytics. 

This information is used solely for research reporting, website improvement, and understanding the reach and uptake of project resources. It is not used for advertising, profiling, or cross-site tracking. 

Disclosure of Information

We may disclose personal information only in the following circumstances: 

  • When required by law or regulatory obligations 
  • When disclosure is necessary to prevent or address a serious threat 
 

We do not sell, rent, or disclose personal information for marketing. 

We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients. However, some technical service providers used by Bond University and collaborating institutions may store or process data on secure servers located outside Australia (e.g., within cloud-based infrastructure).  

Where cross-border disclosure occurs, the project ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place, consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP 8). These safeguards include contractual, security, and governance measures designed to ensure that overseas recipients do not breach the Australian Privacy Principles.  

No identifiable research data or personal contact information is transferred to overseas organisations unless required by law or explicitly permitted under approved institutional and ethics-governed data handling arrangements. 

Access, Correction, and Removal

You may request: 

  • Access to personal information we hold about you 
  • Correction of information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date 
  • Removal from mailing lists or other direct communications 
  • Information about how your personal information has been collected, used, or disclosed

 

Requests can be made by emailing eassipc@bond.edu.au. We will respond to such requests within a reasonable time and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and institutional policies. In some circumstances, legal or research-governance obligations may limit what can be changed or deleted; if so, this will be explained to you. 

Anonymity and Pseudonymity

In accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym where lawful and reasonably practicable. However, certain functions such as subscribing to newsletters or requesting direct communication may require identifiable information.  

If you choose not to provide identifiable information when subscribing or contacting us, we may be unable to: 

  • Send newsletters or project updates 
  • Respond to your enquiry personally 

External Links

This website contains links to external resources (e.g., PHNs, Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, AMS events, and research publications). These websites operate under their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external sites before providing personal information. 

Limitation of Liability

While reasonable steps are taken to protect personal information and maintain secure website operations, we do not guarantee continuous, error-free, or virus-free access to this website. 

To the extent permitted by law, the EASSI-PC project and participating universities are not liable for any loss or damage arising from: 

  • Use of or inability to use this website 
  • Reliance on website content 
  • Access to or use of third-party websites linked from this site 
 
Nothing in this Policy limits any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation where such rights cannot be excluded. 

Updates to This Policy

We encourage you to review this policy periodically as we may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, ethics requirements, or project procedures. Updated versions will be published on this webpage. 

Contact Information

For privacy questions or requests: 
EASSI‑PC Project Team 
Institute for Evidence‑Based Healthcare 
Bond University 
Email: eassipc@bond.edu.au   

For complaints or concerns about research conduct: 
Bond University Human Research Ethics Office 
Email: researchintegrity@bond.edu.au 

More Information

For more information about privacy in general, you can visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.