The purpose of the Australian Council of Stoma Associations is to provide support and assistance to all Member Associations in carrying out their work in promoting the general wellbeing of persons who have undergone ostomy surgery in Australia.
Click on the following links to learn more about the objectives of ACSA, the International Ostomy Association’s “Charter of Ostomates Rights”, or to access a PDF copy of the ACSA Constitution.

The Objectives of the Australian Council of Stoma Associations Inc (ACSA)

International Ostomy Association’s Charter of Ostomates Rights (2004)

The Constitution of the Australian Council of Stoma Associations Inc

The Objectives of the Australian Council of Stoma Associations Inc

  1. To provide a forum for the exchange of information between Member Associations, and for the development of  strategies and policies relevant to the achievement of these Objects;
  2. To promote the general welfare of persons (ostomates) who have surgically constructed openings in their bodies to permit disposal of bodily wastes (“a stoma”) or any illness that may result in the formation of a stoma, and persons who, having undergone surgical intervention to assist in the disposal of bodily wastes, require medical and/or pharmaceutical products for the effective management of their condition;
  3. To compile and disseminate to Member Associations information which may advance the welfare of ostomates;
  4. To promote and assist with research concerning the management of existing stomas; of all conditions (whether medical, surgical, genetic or any other), which may lead to the formation of a stoma at a later stage; and of related prosthetic equipment;
  5. To collaborate with the Federal or any State or Territory Government in the development, operation and improvement of any scheme as it affects ostomates, including the recommending of pharmaceutical preparations and stoma appliances for provision under any such scheme, provided that the Council shall not engage in the purchase, sale or distribution of such preparations and appliances;
  6. To comply with the regulations, directions and requirements of relevant Government Authorities in relation to the administration of any Scheme which affects ostomates;
  7. To cooperate with other organisations with objectives altogether or in part similar to those of the Council; and
  8. To take such steps as may be deemed expedient and proper for the purpose of procuring contributions to the funds of the Council, provided that any action to procure such funds shall not be for the purpose of trading or obtaining pecuniary gain for any member of a Member Association, and shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 4 of the Act Charter of Ostomates Rights.

 Charter of Ostomates Rights

Every person living with a stoma has the right to:

  1. Receive pre-operative counselling to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of the operation and the essential facts about living with a stoma.
  2. Have a well constructed stoma place at an appropriate site, and with the full and proper consideration to the comfort of the patient.
  3. Receive experienced and professional medical support and stoma nursing care in the pre-operative period both in hospital and in their community.
  4. Receive full and impartial information about relevant supplies and products available in their country.
  5. Have unrestricted access to a variety of affordable ostomy products.
  6. Be given information about their National Ostomy Association and the services and support which can be provided.
  7. Receive support and information for the benefit of the family, personal carers and friends to increase their understanding of the condition and adjustments which are necessary for achieving a satisfactory standard of life with a stoma.
  8. Be protected against all forms of discrimination.