June 2026

As FY26 comes to a close, it is an opportunity to reflect on a year of transformation and progress at Standards Australia.

At a time when productivity and trust are central to Australia’s future, our work continues to help make systems safer, more efficient and more connected. In a world of accelerating change, standards provide the foundation that enables innovation to translate into trusted progress. And trusted progress drives productivity.

This year, while undertaking our Standards Development End-to-End Review, our team worked alongside technical experts to publish 502 standards. These included landmark standards on infant safe sleep, dual-switch safety for washing machines and compostable natural fibre textiles. We also released free guides on bushfire resilience, prefabricated building, battery safety and more. And we expanded access to standards through new Consumer Reference Guides, helping Australians make informed decisions when purchasing and using products and services.

These achievements would not be possible without the dedication of our standards community. I thank our technical experts, contributors, Members and partners for their ongoing commitment to developing standards that support safety, confidence and economic growth.

Collaboration was a key focus throughout FY26. We signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Standards New Zealand, strengthening a coordinated and future-focused standards system that supports innovation, competitiveness and greater economic integration across our region. Another significant milestone underpinned by strong collaboration with the construction industry was the Australian Government’s announcement of sponsored access to mandatory standards. We are working closely with government and industry to deliver access as soon as possible; improving accessibility and supporting compliance across the economy. You can register here to receive first-hand updates.

Building capability in AI has also been a priority. We joined with BSI, Enterprise Singapore, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, and the Standards Council of Canada to establish a landmark AI pre-standardisation partnership, helping shape the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence globally.

Looking ahead, we are commencing a new initiative to support the responsible adoption and governance of AI across six Pacific Island countries – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. Delivered in partnership with CSIRO and Ethical AI Consulting, with funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the project will help build trusted AI governance frameworks and strengthen the capability needed to adopt AI safely, responsibly and with confidence across the region.

Internationally, we continued to strengthen partnerships across Asia and the Pacific, supporting initiatives including the first Pacific regional standard for quick frozen cassava, Kava Standards Week, and cooperation projects focused on renewable, green and clean energy.

Together, these achievements, and many more, demonstrate the important role standards play in strengthening productivity, building trust and shaping a more resilient future. As we look to FY27, I am excited about what we can achieve collectively to support the industries, communities and economies that rely on standards every day. 

Australia is set to become the first country to introduce a national standard addressing carbon dioxide (CO₂) buildup in infant sleep-related products – a poorly understood risk often made more confusing by marketing claims of product ‘breathability’.

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As prefabrication and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) continue to grow in Australia, establishing a consistent industry language is essential. A shared understanding supports stronger collaboration, enables innovation and helps reduce regulatory complexity.

To support alignment across the construction sector and jurisdictions, Standards Australia has released SA HB 268: Prefabricated building — Glossary of terms.

Download the handbook

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.

Submit your Expression of Interest

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