In December 2020, Standards Australia partnered with the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner to launch the Construct NSW eLearning module, The value of Australian Standards. This two-hour online course was designed in response to the current skills gaps identified by the industry and regulators. The module explains standards, their place in the complex network of regulation and more importantly, how using them can result in safe, reliable buildings.  

“The construction sector is the third largest industry in Australia and continues to increase annually both in employment and GDP ^[1]. It is important for us to work with other organisations to help those in the industry better understand and use Australian standards,” said Adrian O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia.

Working with the NSW Government, the Office of the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner and TAFE NSW, this course was developed to ensure participants learn about standards and how and why they are utilised in the construction industry.

“Developing and delivering a concise, fully online course that outlines the responsibilities of Standards Australia in relation to the National Construction Code is quite an achievement for all the organisations involved,” Mr O’Connell confirmed.

The course also explains the variety of standards that exist, how they are developed, and the potential implications of not adhering to relevant Australian Standards. An overview of the Australian building and plumbing regulatory framework is also included to outline the overall relevance of the standards to regulations.

Since its launch in December 2020, members of the construction industry have been strongly encouraged to undertake this course. However, with the new building industry reforms commencing 1 July 2021, this module, along with the Navigating the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) legislation module, will be mandatory for Design and Building Practitioners to complete before registering.

The value of Australian Standards course will continue to be available on the TAFE NSW website. Once enrolled, participants will have six months access to the course and will attain a certificate upon completion of the assessment quiz.

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^[1]Building and construction | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)