Standards Comparison

    Australian Privacy Act

    Mandatory
    1988

    Australian federal regulation for personal information protection

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    International QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations

    Quick Verdict

    Australian Privacy Act mandates data protection for Australian organizations via APPs and NDB, enforced by OAIC fines. AS9110C is voluntary QMS certification for aviation MROs ensuring airworthiness. Companies adopt Privacy Act for legal compliance, AS9110C for contracts and safety.

    Data Privacy

    Australian Privacy Act

    Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • 13 Australian Privacy Principles governing data lifecycle
    • Notifiable Data Breaches scheme for serious harm
    • Accountability for cross-border disclosures under APP 8
    • Reasonable steps security scaled to entity risk
    • OAIC enforcement with AUD 50M maximum penalties
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C:2016 Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
    • Product safety and continuing airworthiness focus
    • Human factors in competence and root cause

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    Australian Privacy Act Details

    What It Is

    Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is Australia's principal federal regulation establishing baseline privacy standards for handling personal information. It applies economy-wide via 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), using a principles-based, risk-calibrated approach balancing individual rights with information flows.

    Key Components

    • APPs cover collection, use/disclosure, security (APP 11), cross-border (APP 8), and rights (access/correction).
    • Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme mandates notifications for serious harm.
    • Overseen by OAIC with civil penalties up to AUD 50M or 30% turnover.
    • No formal certification; compliance via governance and audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for agencies and private entities >$3M turnover (plus SBO exceptions).
    • Mitigates regulatory fines, reputational damage, breach costs.
    • Builds trust, enables compliant data use, supports risk management.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policies, security controls, training, NDB readiness.
    • Targets medium/large orgs across sectors; principles scale by size/risk.
    • OAIC guidance aids; no certification but assessments/enforcement apply.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) certification standard for aviation maintenance organizations (MROs), building on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is to ensure safe, compliant maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, emphasizing continuing airworthiness through risk-based thinking and PDCA cycles.

    Key Components

    • 10-clause Annex SL structure covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, product safety, human factors, traceability, external provider controls.
    • No fixed control count; focuses on documented information, competence, and auditable processes.
    • Certification via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets OEM/contract requirements for market access (OASIS listing).
    • Mitigates safety/regulatory risks (FAA/EASA alignment).
    • Drives efficiency, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction.
    • Builds trust, reduces rework/liability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to MROs globally; requires internal audits, management review pre-certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    Australian Privacy Act
    Personal information handling lifecycle
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management

    Industry

    Australian Privacy Act
    All sectors in Australia >$3M turnover
    AS9110C
    Aviation maintenance organizations global

    Nature

    Australian Privacy Act
    Mandatory principles-based regulation
    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    Australian Privacy Act
    OAIC audits and investigations
    AS9110C
    Internal audits and certification audits

    Penalties

    Australian Privacy Act
    AUD 50M fines or 30% turnover
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification and market access

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Australian Privacy Act and AS9110C

    Australian Privacy Act FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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