George Edwards

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.  

George Edwards’ career is expansive and encompassed roles such as: President of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Chairman of the Energy Council of Australia, Chairman of the Mineral industry Consultants Association, Chairman of the International Coal Preparation Congress, amongst others. He was Chairman of the Standards Australia Board from 2001 – 2003.  
How did you become involved in standards development? 

In the 1960’s, I joined the Coal & Coke Committee. I was aware of the Committee and its activities and gradually became more involved through Standards Policy and Sector Boards, ultimately becoming a Board Member of Standards Australia and finally its Chairman. Expanding the fields covered by Australian and ISO Standards from the traditional engineering disciplines was a passion over many years.

What role have standards played in your career?   

Standards have played an integral part of my career and I’ve passionately promoted Australian Standards to become the bases of ISO Standards, as well as spread their use regionally through the Pacific Area Standards Congress (‘PASC’). I received a Distinguished Service Award in 2009 from Standards Australia.  

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

As Chairman of Standards Australia, I was proud to steer the process of selling the commercial businesses of Standards Australia to SAI Global Limited when it listed on the ASX.      

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

Running my own companies for the last +forty years. Becoming a leader in industry as President of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Chairman of the Energy Council of Australia, Chairman of the Mineral industry Consultants Association, Chairman of the International Coal Preparation Congress, Leader of the Australian Govt Sponsored Coal Mission to South America, a Member of the First Australian Coal Mission to China in 1976, a Member of Australian Steaming Coal Survey Mission to USA and a Member, Australian Ministerial Coal Mission to India in 1996 amongst other roles in academia and industry.

What do you think the future of standardisation looks like? 

There’s no doubt that the future of standardisation is secure and will continue to grow in Australia and internationally and its reach will continue to expand in new fields over time.

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

Australians should be very proud of the many things that Standards Australia has achieved over the last one hundred years which have positively impacted on their daily lives, most of which they have not been aware.

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