Recently we celebrated Annual Standards Award winners at our mid-year Members’ event in Melbourne.  

The event was another reminder of both the deep sense of community that exists within the standards ecosystem, and the profound – yet often quiet – impact that standards have on our daily lives.

Our W.R. Hebblewhite Medal winner, John Furbank’s outstanding contributions to consumer protection and product safety saw him awarded our most esteemed prize. As a key figure in standards development since 1978, with a career spanning over 50 years, John’s influence is not only national, but global, and very deserving of this award.

You can read about all the award-winning individuals and organisations in the 'News' section below.

Also at the meeting, our Chair Tracey Gramlick was joined by a very strong panel of presenters, including The Hon Stephen Conroy, Peter Jennings AO PSM, Nicole Henry, Head of Government Relations, Australia and New Zealand, Fortinet, and Standards Australia Head of International Karen Batt, to discuss the 'Importance of Standards in a Geopolitical Uncertain World'.

In this complex environment, standards are no longer just technical tools. They are becoming instruments of strategic influence. Around the world, countries are using standards to advance national interests, shape global norms, and secure long-term market access.

It is with this context in mind that we have developed our new five-year strategy, covering FY26 to FY30.  

Whilst we plan to launch details of the strategy with our people, and more broadly, over the coming month, I am pleased to share with you that at the heart of this strategy is our purpose: To enable both the progress and the protection of Australian communities.

And it is the valued and selfless contribution that so many people make that has, and will, enable us to continue to deliver on that purpose going forward. For that the Standards Australia team says thank you.

Do you know a motivated young professional ready to help shape the future of standards development in Australia?

Applications are now open for our 2026 NEXTgen Program, a six-month professional development experience designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections to make a lasting impact in standardisation.

What the program offers:

• In-depth knowledge of the standards development process
• Valuable industry connections and networking opportunities
• Enhanced leadership and project management skills
• Recognition as a future leader in your field
• A stronger, more competitive CV

Join a community of next generation of leaders driving innovation through standards.

Submit your Expression of Interest.

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Congratulations to the 2025 Standards Awards winners! Through innovation, leadership, and global collaboration, this year’s winners are helping shape a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future:

• W.R. Hebblewhite Medal: John Furbank
• Meritorious Contribution (National): Sean Bassett
• Meritorious Contribution (International): James Sankar
• Emerging Leader: Osama Ali
• Innovation: Dr. Kala Senathirajah
• Outstanding Committee: BD-066 Prefabricated Concrete Elements (Chair - Paul Uno)
• Corporate Commitment to Standards: Energy Queensland
• Nominating Organisation: Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)

Check out the winners’ profiles.

To mark Wear Orange Wednesday and National Volunteer Week, we celebrated the vital role of emergency services volunteers. Through our partnership with the National Council of Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC), their representatives actively contribute to over 50 technical committees, helping shape and enhance standards that keep emergency responders safe, well-equipped, and ready to act.

Learn more about how this partnership strengthens the standards that protect those who protect us.

Our latest report, Product Safety Through Standards and Regulatory Compliance, explores how organisations can navigate the evolving product safety landscape.

Gain insights into:

• Aligning with mandatory safety standards
• Understanding the regulatory framework
• Leveraging best practices to build trust and gain a competitive edge

Read the full report.

Standards Australia is committed to continue supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative, which has been making strong progress over the past five years. From 21–23 May 2025, we joined regional partners in Fiji for the Pacific Regional Quality Policy Workshop, discussing priorities, sharing knowledge, and planning the next phase of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative.

Learn more about our work in the region.

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.