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Our History
A brief history of standards
Standards have been around a long time. There is evidence of standards being used 7,000 years ago by the civilisations of Babylon and ancient Egypt.
Standards started as a benchmark for weights and measures. They provided a single reference point against which all other weights and measures in that society could be standardised. As societies evolved, the need for mutually-agreed standards grew too. With the development of trade and commerce, standards extended into agriculture, ships, buildings and weapons.
A uniform set of criteria evolves
Initially, standards were unique documents and part of a single contract between the supplier and purchaser. Later, the same standard could be used across a range of transactions. This uniform set of criteria, using common knowledge, requirements and needs, is the basis of modern standardisation.
After the Industrial Revolution
After the rapid industrialisation of the early nineteenth century, the lack of national standardisation caused huge inefficiencies. Proof of this lack of conformity is still apparent today, for example, in the number of different railway gauges that exist.
After the Industrial Revolution, occupational injury became a major issue for many workers. By the late 1870s, workplace explosions were causing more than 50,000 fatalities each year. In response to this, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the first voluntary standardising bodies, was established in 1880.
Standards in contemporary society
By the end of the nineteenth century, the value of standardisation was recognised as a national priority. From then on, standardisation started to flourish and is now intrinsic to modern society. From its industrial roots it now includes consumer safety, occupational health, energy management and more – all with the purpose of improving the quality and comfort of everyday life.
Our Centenary
In 2022, to mark Standards Australia’s centenary, the organisation created a souvenir book which captures key moments in its important story.The book acknowledges the organisation's heart and soul – its contributors – who generously give their time, knowledge and expertise to make a safer, more efficient Australia.During 2022, significant contributors were honoured on our standards heroes page.
History of our Executives
Sir George Knibbs
Sir George Julius
Alex Gibson
Thomas Upton
Sir John Tivey
George Hutcheson
Frank Matthews
Robert Mitchell
James Davidson
Don Gray
George Edwards
John Castles
Alan Morrison
Richard Brooks
Tracey Gramlick
William Hebblewhite
Allan Stewart
William Ian Stewart
John Paton
Stewart Horwood
Ross Wraight
John Tucker
Colin Blair
Bronwyn Evans
Adrian O’Connell