We Respect Your Privacy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 2026

1. Introduction

The History of Economic Thought Society of Australia (HETSA, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our members, website visitors, and other individuals we interact with. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other international privacy frameworks.

By using our website or becoming a member of HETSA, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

Account & Membership Information

When you create an account or register as a member, we collect your name, email address, postal address, institutional affiliation, and any other details you provide during registration.

Payment Information

When you pay for membership fees, conference registrations, or other services, we collect payment details such as credit/debit card information or bank transfer details. Payment transactions are processed through secure third-party payment processors, and we do not store full card numbers on our servers.

Usage Data

We may automatically collect information about how you interact with our website, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit.

Communications

If you contact us by email or through our website, we retain records of that correspondence.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

To manage your membership account and provide member services.
To process payments for membership fees, events, and publications.
To communicate with you about society news, events, publications, and updates.
To administer conferences, workshops, and other HETSA activities.
To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
To improve the functionality and content of our website.
To respond to your enquiries and provide support.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (International Users)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or other jurisdictions with similar requirements, we process your personal data on the following legal bases: performance of a contract (membership and payment processing), legitimate interests (improving our services and communications), compliance with legal obligations, and where required, your explicit consent.

5. Payment Security

We take the security of your payment information seriously. All payment transactions are encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS technology. We use reputable third-party payment processors who comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). We do not store your full credit card details on our systems.

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, or delivering services (e.g., payment processors, email platforms). These parties are contractually obligated to keep your information confidential.
Legal Requirements: Where required by law, court order, or government authority.
With Your Consent: In any other circumstance, only with your explicit permission.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your membership is active, or as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Payment records are retained in accordance with Australian taxation and financial reporting requirements.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal obligations.
Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format (where applicable).
Objection / Restriction: Object to or request restriction of certain types of processing.
Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 11.

9. Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse site usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain parts of our website.

10. International Data Transfers

As HETSA serves a global membership, your information may be processed or stored in countries outside your home jurisdiction. Where this occurs, we take steps to ensure your information is protected in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including the use of standard contractual clauses or equivalent safeguards where required.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at:

Organisation: The History of Economic Thought Society of Australia (HETSA)
Email: a.millmow@federation.edu.au
Website: hetsa.au
Postal Address: HETSA President, School of Business Federation University, Mt Helen Victoria Australia 3353

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. We will notify members of any material changes by email or through a notice on our website. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.