Last month, we brought our members together with leaders from across policy, defence, and technology for a focused conversation on the role of standards in strengthening Australia’s resilience and global influence.

The message was clear. The global landscape is shifting. Standards are no longer just technical documents. They shape how nations build, trade and lead. They are instruments of trust, economic security and national capability.

There were strong calls to place standards at the heart of Australia's productivity agenda, to build a stronger international voice, and to support the next wave of innovation through better access and smarter alignment. Our members appreciated the clarity and urgency of the discussion.

This month, that message translates into action. We have published the landmark standard AS 5402:2025 Children's Safety in the Metaverse (see News section below). It provides practical guidance to industry and business, placing empowerment and safety at the centre of digital design. It sets out clear layers of protection and reporting that should be taken seriously and calls for active collaboration between platform developers, policymakers and families. Creating safer online environments for children is not optional, it is essential.

Taken together, these moments remind me that we need to tell the story of standards more clearly. Why they matter. Who they serve. And the future they help build. Over the coming months, we will be working with our members and partners to do exactly that.

Standards Australia is joining over 500 industry leaders at NATA Accreditation Matters on July 30–31 in Sydney. This two-day event will focus on the future of accreditation and standards.

Hear from our team:

• Rod Balding (CEO): On the strategic role of standards in global trade and geopolitics.
• Kareen Riley-Takos (CESIR): In the Australia’s Technical Infrastructure Alliance session, discussing how accreditation supports consumers and trade.
• George Sfinas (Engagement Manager): On hydrogen standards and their role in building a sustainable Australia.
• Ben Russell (Engagement Manager): Highlighting the importance of consumer representation in standards development, plus a case study on button batteries and AI.

🔗 Learn more and register for the event.

AS 5402:2025 Children's Safety in the Metaverse is now published. Developed in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner, this ground-breaking standard introduces a much-needed framework to help businesses and industry prioritise privacy, accessibility, and safety for children in virtual environments.

It’s also a valuable resource for anyone in the community – whether at home or in schools – who cares about children’s online safety.

AS 5402 sets out clear guidance for platform developers, policymakers, and families to work together in building safer digital spaces for children.

🔗 Read more about the standard and how it’s shaping the future of online safety.

The revised AS 4000:2025 General Conditions of Contract is here, reflecting key legislative changes and industry developments over the past 28 years. This update simplifies language, clarifies dispute resolution options, and maintains fair risk allocation. For construction and legal professionals, this means a more user-friendly document.

🔗 Check out the key changes to the standard.

We are tapping into new sixth-generation (6G) cellular technology testing of electromagnetic energy (EME) to help ensure standards deliver safe and improved technology and connectivity for all Australians. Backed by global standards and international safety guidelines, our work helps ensure that when 6G arrives, it’s faster, smarter, and more resilient for all Australians to use.

🔗 Read more about his work.

Important changes are coming to respiratory protection standards in Australia and New Zealand. By 2030, two long-standing Australian standards will be replaced by a comprehensive suite of ISO standards. This transition aims to better reflect user needs, enhance product performance, and align testing requirements.

▶️ Watch our recent webinar to learn what this transition means for the industry.

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🔗 ‍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.