As Standards Australia continues to implement its transformation program, it’s natural to look towards the future of standards, the value we generate and the people we engage. For standards to better serve and enable communities, whether businesses, consumers, or regulatory agencies, we support and encourage innovative platforms as well as the next generation of standards developers.
August saw the realisation of a number of our initiatives to ensure Standards Australia is delivering on its goals.
We announced the official launch of an innovative software which embeds Australian Standards™ within the FireMate app and platform. This initiative has opened greater access to our standards solutions in new and useful ways. Assistant Minister for Industry Development, Jonathan Duniam, supported the
launch, signifying the importance of this activity and marking two years’ worth of work.
When it comes to people, we commenced our NEXTgen 2021/22 program. Focusing on community involvement, this program works to identify upcoming professionals from diverse backgrounds and builds their knowledge and capability to contribute to future standards development. We had a record number of applicants and mentors apply to this program and it is especially encouraging to see such interest from a diverse group of individuals.
Finally, we understand many of our stakeholders and contributors, together with the staff of Standards Australia are going through a period of extended lockdown in response to the COVID health crisis. We acknowledge it is challenging at times to look to the future while in the midst of this lockdown. We very much appreciate the dedication of everyone in adapting to this new environment and continuing to come together and collaborate virtually to deliver trusted solutions that improve life today and tomorrow.