March 2026

As we move further into the year, it is pleasing to see the momentum we are building across our organisation and the important collaboration with our many valued Members, Nominating Organisations and committee members.  

The past month has delivered many great examples that highlight the impact of our work - from strengthening the standards development process, supporting best practice construction, celebrating the contributions of women in our community, and reaffirming our commitment to Australian consumers.

These activities reflect the dedication of our people and partners, and the vital role standards play in supporting a safer, more productive, efficient Australia.

A clearer, more consistent standards development process

In late 2025 Standards Australia commissioned an independent review of our standards development process. The review, based upon extensive consultation with our key stakeholders, was an important opportunity to take an honest look at how we operate and identify where we can do better.

As a result, nine key recommendations spanning committee structuring, process, stakeholders, strategy, and governance have been proposed. The Standards Australia Board and Executive are deeply committed to actioning the feedback and implementing the recommendations.  

Further details of the review are available here, along with a recording of a recently held webinar on the findings, which can be viewed here.  

As we progress the implementation of the findings, further updates will be provided to our key stakeholders.

Supporting best practice construction with the NCC

In February the preview of the 2025 National Construction Code was released. The latest edition reinforces how essential Australia Standards® are for safe, quality building in Australia.  

Many of the changes referenced in the NCC draw directly on Australian Standards, and their inclusion reflects the depth of work undertaken across our organisation by the dedicated members who contribute their expertise through numerous technical committees.  

Your ongoing commitment ensures the NCC is supported by rigorous, evidence based guidance.

Celebrating Women in Standards

Earlier in the month, we were privileged to host a panel event in line with International Women’s Day.  

The session Driving Productivity Through Diversity: Women Building Australia brought together leaders to share their insights on the role diversity plays in standards development.  

Featuring Jocelyn Martin (Managing Director, Housing Industry Association), Lucy Finlay (Standardisation and Regulation Manager, Schneider Electric) and Michelle Su (Senior Systems Engineer, ResMed), the event highlighted the value of hearing directly from our partners and the passion they bring to their work.  

We thank our speakers and attendees for their time and insightful discussion on this important topic.

Executive announcement

I would like to congratulate Karen Batt, who has accepted the role of Chief of Engagement, Standards & International Relations. Karen has been with the organisation for over 25 years and is a trusted, knowledgeable and highly respected team member.  

Karen started as a Project Manager in 2001 and has worked across and led many parts of the standards development function, including a secondment to Standards New Zealand.  

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Karen on her new appointment as we look forward to delivering a stronger and more robust organisation that is set up for both future success and key stakeholder support.

Earlier this month, we hosted the Women in Standards event, bringing together industry leaders, committee members, partners, and staff for a morning of reflection and celebration in recognition of International Women’s Day.  The event highlighted the significant contributions women make to Australia’s standards system and explored new pathways to strengthen representation and participation.

Read more about the event

The 2025 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) has officially been published for preview on 1 February 2026, marking Australia’s latest update to the national building and construction technical framework. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released the preview version of the NCC 2025 to provide practitioners the opportunity to understand the changes that may apply in their jurisdiction when adoption decisions are made. States and territories may consider adoption from 1 May 2026.

Learn more about the updates

We joined the National Building Products Coalition to release a new free guide that helps lift the quality of building product documentation. The Building Product Information - Good Practice Conformity Guide explains how manufacturers and suppliers can present information in a way that supports compliance and shows a product is suitable for use. It also sets out the questions specifiers and installers can ask to check documentation, make informed choices, and reduce compliance risks.

Download the guide

Australia continues to play a leading role in strengthening international standards cooperation, with Timor-Leste taking important steps to build its national systems for standards and conformance as it prepares for deeper regional economic integration.

Learn more about the in-country visit

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.