August 2026

The future of Australian safety, innovation and industry depends on developing young leaders who understand how standards shape a modern economy.

At Standards Australia, we are investing in emerging talent across Australia by fostering the next generation of experts, contributors and standards developers. This month, we have had plenty to celebrate.

For the first time, Standards Australia participated in the International Standards Olympiad in Seoul: a three-day competition bringing 105 students together from around the world to demonstrate how standards help to solve real-world challenges. In an Australian-first, the WA team won gold, and the students from VIC won bronze; a fantastic achievement.

While in Seoul, Brad Vermeer, our Chief of Staff, Nic Millar, our Strategic Programs and Engagement Manager and Josi Cuccurullo, our International Advisor, met Government and ASEAN representatives to reinforce Australia’s commitment to regional collaboration and youth engagement in STEM.

In November, our 2026 IEC Young Professionals Programme participants, Blake Ashton and Srushti Lokesh, will head to Germany for the IEC General Meeting and YP workshop where they’ll engage with international experts and contribute to the development of global standards in energy and electrotechnology.

In addition, our Graduate and NEXTgen programs are also building Australia’s broader standards capability. The Graduate Program gives recent graduates a practical, purpose-driven start to their career inside Standards Australia, while NEXTgen helps emerging industry and technical experts understand the standards development process, build networks and find pathways into future contribution. If you, or someone you know, are passionate about a career in standards development, I encourage you to apply for our 2027 Graduate Program or 2027 NEXTgen Program.

Alongside these initiatives, we have continued to strengthen our strategic partnerships across the region. Roland Terry-Lloyd, Head of Strategic and International Delivery and our team travelled to Timor-Leste, where they met with senior officials and the Institute of Quality of Timor-Leste (IQTL) to deliver capacity-building workshops and a 5-year roadmap assisting their path toward WTO compliance.

At the India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA), International Engagement Manager, Rima Ibrahim, joined the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for a series of technical workshops under the Australia–India Standards Trade Enabling Project. Focusing on data centres, pet food and green hydrogen, this ongoing collaboration ensures standards facilitate smoother international trade, cross-border innovation and mutual economic growth. Next month, Standards Australia looks forward to welcoming the IABCA team for the 2026 Immersion Summit in Australia!

Closer to home, Standards Australia was proud to bring together local and international technical expertise in the Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Interoperability Report, launched this month with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

This is just a snapshot of the great work happening across Australia and globally, demonstrating the important role of standards in fostering capability, building trust and shaping a more resilient future.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to sharing an update again next month.

Australia’s debut in this competition marks a pivotal investment in the next generation. By engaging young minds in standardisation today, we ensure the safety, quality, and resilience of our nation is never left to chance.  

And what a debut it was: the students of Methodist Ladies’ College (WA) were awarded the Gold Prize, while Loyola College (VIC) earned a Bronze Prize, demonstrating the problem-solving capabilities of Australian youth.

Read more

In April 2026, DCCEEW engaged Standards Australia to analyse how current standards can support CER interoperability requirements, including gaps in the standards.

In August 2026, Standards Australia delivered the Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Interoperability Report. It maps the minimum requirements with relevant technical standards.

Download the report

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Standards Australia has completed the first in-country visit for Phase 3 of the Timor-Leste Standards Uplift Initiative, delivered in partnership with the Institute of Quality of Timor-Leste (IQTL).

The visit marked an important milestone in supporting Timor-Leste's continued development of a modern national standards and quality infrastructure system, while strengthening its preparedness to meet regional obligations as it progresses towards ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) membership.

Read the full story

Our Graduate Program is designed for those who are eager to learn, collaborate and make an impact. You will gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry experts, build meaningful professional networks and develop the skills to grow your career in a purpose-driven organisation with influence both nationally and internationally.

Applications close Sunday, 13 September.

Standards Australia’s NEXTgen Program selects emerging industry and technical experts and provides them with an exciting opportunity to become involved in the national and international standardisation processes supporting Australian industry and government.

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Applications close on Friday, 23 October.

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

Check out the latest standards development in your industry.

Explore emerging themes and projects that advance safety and drive economic growth in Australia and across the region.

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