Our birthday Standards Heroes have been nominated by their peers to represent all our contributors - individuals we consider to be the real heroes of standards, in Australia and internationally. We thank those who contribute their knowledge and expertise, service, and time to Standards Australia for the benefit of the Australian community.  

Colin Doyle’s career has spanned 50 years. He’s been involved in the development of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) standards used by electrical safety regulators, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and the development of performance and labelling standards used for energy and water efficiency labelling schemes.
How did you become involved in standards development? 

As a cadet engineer for a large Australian manufacturer, in 1970 I was introduced to the importance of the use of performance and safety standards to test refrigeration products in their commercial equipment design and development laboratory.

In the late 1970’s, with the exciting introduction of colour television, I changed fields and used different performance and safety standards for the development and testing of televisions, audio and communications equipment. At that time, I replaced an engineer on committee TE-001 and that commenced my involvement with the development of standards.

What role have standards played in your career?   

With the demise of many appliance and equipment manufacturers in Australia, my role changed to the testing, selection and approval of imported appliances and equipment. Compliance with Australian Standards became a critical requirement for the selection process.  

What is a project you’ve been particularly proud to have helped deliver? 

There have been quite a few over my 50 years in the industry. For example, I was involved in the development of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) standards used by electrical safety regulators and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). I was also involved in the development of performance and labelling standards used for energy and water efficiency labelling schemes. I also helped to develop AS/NZS performance and energy efficiency standards for portable air conditioners, which were used as the basis for developing equivalent international standards.      

Outside of standards development, what have been some highlights of your career? 

I was an industry representative on a committee advising the Electrical Regulators Advisory Committee (ERAC) for the development of the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS), which one day will hopefully be used to unify electrical safety requirements throughout Australia. I was also Involved in the development of the Industry Code for Consumer Goods that Contain Button Batteries, a code for industry to reduce the risk of death and life-threatening injuries to children.  

What do you think the future of standardisation looks like? 

It is critical to continue to increase the understanding of the need for standards to ensure adequate safety and performance, whether this is applicable to products, equipment, buildings or other areas. It is also essential to participate in the development of international standards with the view to adopting those standards for use in Australia.  

Is there anything you’d like to say or mention about Standards Australia’s centenary year?

I would just like to congratulate the team at Standards Australia on their continued improvement of the standards development process and training of up-and-coming individuals through the NEXTgen Program.

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