Governance

Our governance arrangements help ensure Standards Australia remains accountable, independent and focused on delivering value for Australian industries and communities.

• Standards Australia’s Constitution (PDF)
• Standards Australia’s Election and Ballot By-Laws (PDF)
• Standards Australia's Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)

Our Members are organisations involved in the development and use of standards, with an interest in the outcomes of Standards Australia’s work.

We welcome membership applications from Australian organisations and government bodies with registered ABNs in Australia that can contribute to our work. This includes:

• Government agencies and departments
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Professional and member associations
• Universities
• Peak bodies
• Industry associations

Applications are reviewed by the Board’s Membership Committee before being considered by the Board.

To be eligible for membership, applicants must provide the information requiered in the Standards Australia’s Membership Application form. The Board will also consider whether an applicant can make a positive contribution to Standards Australia, including whether the organisation:

• has demonstrated its capacity to contribute positively to Standards Australia
• can use its influence to support our work
• has a breadth of focus that aligns with our objectives
• has demonstrated standing in the community
• has contributed to standards development

For information about becoming a Member or to request a Membership Application form, contact our Member Engagement Manager.

As Australia’s peak non-government national standards body, we place a high priority on strong and effective governance.

Our Board is the governing body of Standards Australia. It provides oversight within the framework of relevant legislation, including the Corporations Act and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act, as well as our Constitution and Board Charter.As Australia's peak Standards body, the Board places a high priority on corporate governance.

• Standards Australia's Board Charter (PDF)
  

The Board’s responsibilities include:

• setting and reviewing our strategic direction
• monitoring organisational performance
• appointing the Chief Executive Officer
• determining key policy positions

The Board currently comprises six Directors elected by Members and one Director appointed by the Board.

Four committees support the Board in carrying out its responsibilities. They provide advice and recommendations across key areas of governance and oversight:

• Finance, Investment & Audit Committee (Charter, PDF)
  
• Membership Committee (Charter, PDF)
  
• People Governance & Risk (Charter, PDF)
  
• Standards Development & Accreditation Committee (SDAC) (Charter, PDF)
  

The Membership Committee and SDAC include both Directors and external members.

External members of SDAC are elected by Standards Australia Members or appointed by the Board. External members of the Membership Committee are Member representatives elected by Standards Australia Members.

More information about these arrangements is available in our Election and Ballot By-Laws (PDF).

In keeping with good governance principles, Members of the Board and its Committees are expected to to:

• act impartially, in good faith and in the best interests of Standards Australia
  
• comply with our Disclosure of Interests Policy (PDF) and disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest
  
• keep information obtained through their role confidential
  
• not use information obtained through their role for their own benefit or for the benefit of another person or organisation
  

Information regarding Standards Australia's Technical Governance and Standards Development process are available on the Standardisation Guides page.

View Standards Australia’s:

• Technical Committee and Nominating Organisation Disclosure of Interests Policy (PDF)
• Committee Member Code of Conduct (PDF)
• Nominating Organisation Code of Conduct (PDF)