July marks my third month as CEO at Standards Australia, a journey enriched by active listening and learning. I’ve had the privilege of hearing from colleagues, members, customers, and international partners. Each conversation, every interaction, has deepened my understanding of our role, our challenges and how we can best support our customers now and into the future.

What stands out is our shared experiences. There’s strong support for our organisation, and our team feel incredibly proud to work for Standards Australia.

We’re all navigating a fast-paced, complex environment. Global dynamics are shifting, workforce skills are evolving, and emerging technologies are reshaping industries bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Our customers desire simplicity amidst complexity. We are committed to adapting to evolving needs, providing value and relevance through innovative approaches, and upholding trust in our quality and reliability. Our standards need to mirror Australia’s evolving landscape.

As custodians of Standards Australia, our focus is on our customers. We’re not just to adapting to change, we’re committed to leading the way.

We’ve been collaborating with our partners to build a sustainable, equitable and inclusive international standards system. Our recent work in Timor Leste and Tonga underscores the importance of this interconnected system.

In FY24, we published 453 standards including new publications in button batteries, ageing and disability advocacy, and exterior cladding to name a few. We made important amendments to bridge design standards and released new editions of standards ranging from accessories for seat belts to manufacturing and marketing of pet food. We celebrated adoption of the Artificial Intelligence Management system standard using the new opt-in to automate adoptions pathway, and the development of the first standard through the alternative pathway model, that specifies requirements to produce safe and hygienic blood products from animals. This work is a testament to the dedication of our contributors, Nominating Organisations and Members. We’re collectively helping to make lives safer, easier and better.

Looking ahead, we’ll continue to identify where future standards are needed to support our communities. We’ll navigate challenges and strive to deliver value to you, our customers, members, our business and the wider community we serve. This shared value approach underpins all that we do.

I’m grateful for the journey so far and look forward to the road ahead. I invite you to join our mission and welcome your feedback as we navigate these exciting times together.

We are hosting a free webinar to explore AS/NZS ISO 45003:2021, which offers a universal approach to managing psychosocial risks in the workplace. Industry expert, Chanel Nesci, General Manager of Wellbeing and Safety at Bupa, will share insights into how the organisation, a leading healthcare provider, has successfully leveraged this standard in practice to enhance psychosocial safety in the workplace.

Date: Thursday, 15th August 2024

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm AEST

Register here.

‍

Congratulations to the 23/24 NEXTgen Graduates! We are pleased to announce that 24 participants have successfully completed the 8-month professional development program. This program is designed to enhance the skills and experiences of young professionals, broaden their knowledge of standards, and establish valuable industry connections.

Submit your Expression of Interest for the 2025 NEXTgen Program.

Learn more about the program here.

‍

"The NEXTgen program is unlike any training out there". Check out what one of our standout graduates has to say about her experience and why she believes more people should get involved in standards development.

With over 25 years of systems experience and 20 years in the construction industry, Emma Bentton holds multiple roles. She is the Director of SHOES, a company that aids small businesses in securing safety, quality, and environmental ISO management systems accreditation. Additionally, she is the founder and designer of Office2Site (O2S), a platform focused on individuals who balance office work with engaging onsite crews.

What motivated you to join the NEXTgen program?

I crisscross Australia and New Zealand, diving into standards daily, especially in construction. Most small businesses I meet wrestle with understanding and identifying the right standards. Some niche companies even lean on international standards due to a lack of local ones. While compliance may be easier in metropolitan areas, it becomes a tougher game beyond the Great Dividing Range.

Can you share a specific project or task you worked on during the program that you are particularly proud of?

Throughout the course, I’ve had fascinating conversations with numerous businesses about interpreting standards. Many small businesses are part of entities that may be Nominating Organisations, and we explored how these relationships can be leveraged to influence the direction of standards. It’s all about turning connections into powerful tools for progress.

What are your key takeaways from the NEXTgen program?

Everyone has a role to play in the development of standards. Our standards require a more diverse mix of people participating from across the country, from diverse backgrounds, and with a better gender balance. You don't need to be the most experienced person to get involved. While there are plenty of experts, we need more people who use and apply standards to participate.

What’s next for you after graduating from the NEXTgen program? Do you have any specific goals or plans in the field of standards development?

I aim to work with Standards Australia to engage more Nominating Organisations, addressing critical issues such as gender imbalance and boosting regional representation. Specifically, I want to dive into Personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, which often overlook male versus female forms. Additionally, these standards lag in addressing new fabric trends, such as sustainability, recycling, flame retardance, arc flash protection, and antimicrobial fabrics.

What advice do you have for those considering applying to the 2025 NEXTgen program?

The NEXTgen program is unlike any training out there: practical, applied, and addressing both the soft skills and technical understanding needed to develop standards. Whether you want to leverage your extensive technical knowledge or learn how to contribute effectively, this program will arm you with the skills and insights to become a valuable member of future committees and transform your expertise into powerful contributions.

Tune into the latest episode of Standards Australia's Set the Standard podcast - 'Setting the Standard for a more equitable future', where we confront the pressing issue of gender inclusivity across various industries. Tracey Gramlick (Board Chair), Dr. Marlene Kanga (Board Director), and Emma Harrington (CEO) share their personal experiences and challenges as women navigating the professional world.

This episode is a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for support and initiatives to advance gender diversity. Join us in this important conversation, presented by Shannen Brown (Senior Business Analyst).

Listen to the full episode here.

Work Health & Safety (WHS) in Australia is a critical framework designed to protect workers across all sectors. To help safeguard businesses and protect employees with the most current WHS information, we have released the report, ‘Navigating Work Health & Safety in Australia: Challenges, Standards, and Future Directions’. This document explores the current standards, addresses emerging challenges, and examines future trends in workplace safety.

Read the full report here.

Are you driven by a desire to improve your industry? This could be your opportunity to join our network of over 5,000 technical, business, academic, government, and community experts who form the backbone of Standards Australia’s technical committees.

At Standards Australia, we rely heavily on specialist knowledge. We have a range of volunteer committee opportunities available, and one of them could be representing Engineers Australia.

Check out the stories of Sujatha Manoj and Dr Jie Guo, who represent Engineers Australia on our committees. Discover what they have to say about their experiences in standards development.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about how to participate.

Standards Australia represents Australia on the two major international standards development bodies, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Our activities are reported on our International Updates page.

Access the latest standards development news in your industry sector via our Sectors page.

The public comment process provides an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to make valuable contributions. Draft standards currently open for comment are available via Connect.