Trust is central to any sustained success. For industry, government, and consumers alike, the right standards build confidence, deliver lasting benefits, and support global economic integration.

A key to the trust invested in us by Australian industry, and our community, are our regional and Trans-Tasman partnerships.  

Earlier this month, we renewed our partnership with Standards New Zealand by signing a new Heads of Agreement at a time when cooperation is more important than ever. As noted by both the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, our alignment on standards is another step toward boosting trans-Tasman trade and efficiency.

For over 40 years our two standards bodies, on behalf of our nations, have worked together to create and adopt joint standards between our nations. We are delighted to renew this partnership for our next chapter together.  

By underpinning trade agreements, regulatory systems, business settings and consumer safety in both economies we ease the burden on both sides of the Tasman. Being able to look to and rely on this level of cooperation at a time of significant uncertainty is something that we can be very proud of.

Along with notable regulatory coherence, we have agreed to work with Standards New Zealand towards:

• the safe and effective uptake of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing
• greater use of renewable energies and other climate action activities
• trans-Tasman harmonisation of international standards adoption
• helping our Pacific islands neighbours on their journey implementing quality infrastructure and building capability in standards and conformance
• boosting market access, productivity, and prosperity aspirations of businesses.

Extending the agreement means our two nations share process efficiencies and save costs. A win by working together. Clearer standards clarify expectations and enable growth.  

We look forward to working with our colleagues here in Australia and in New Zealand to turn this renewed commitment into tangible and impactful gains.

Applications are open for two exciting 2026 professional development programs: NEXTgen and the Graduate Program.

Don’t miss your chance! Explore the details below and apply today.

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Graduate Program

This hands-on program gives graduates the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work. Through rotations across key departments, participants gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of how we operate.

Apply now

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NEXTgen Program

Our NEXTgen Program selects emerging industry and technical experts to get involved in national and international standards development, supporting both industry and government.

Apply now

Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have signed a new Heads of Agreement to modernise and streamline our joint standards arrangements. This marks a renewed commitment to our enduring partnership and builds on the foundation of over 2,000 existing joint standards that support economic growth across both nations.

Read full statement

Australia’s construction leaders and Standards Australia came together to address access to Australian Standards. Together, we acknowledged access to standards is a critical issue impacting safety, productivity, workforce capability, and the delivery of housing and infrastructure that underpin the National Construction Code (NCC).

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Standards Australia is launching a new suite of Consumer Reference Guides to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice.  The first guide, aimed at preventing common dangers caused by button batteries, was released during an online consumer safety event co-hosted with Choice.  

Download the guide

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Standards Australia partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a three-year initiative: International Standards Integration for Critical and Emerging Technologies in Southeast Asia. The project focused on building knowledge and practical skills to support CET standards development across the region through a mix of virtual bilateral communications and in country workshops.

Watch the video to learn more

Learn more about our international initiatives and how to get involved.

Check out the latest standards development news in your industry sector.

Help us keep Australians safe! Our public comment phase provides an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to make valuable contributions.

Draft standards open for comment