As we near the end of the year, it’s natural to look back at what we’ve achieved together and the work our members, contributors, stakeholders and staff have delivered. Throughout the year, we’ve collaborated on many projects that aim to make standards more affordable and accessible, to better service the Australian community. 

We saw a number of these projects recognised in November, particularly in the construction industry where we announced two important partnerships with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Association NSW (MBA). 

These partnerships see HIA and MBA NSW individually host and sell relevant Standards to their aligned small businesses.

These important agreements are a testament to the work of many across a number of months. They’re also examples of how we’ve continued to focus on achieving our promise to increase the reach and relevance of Standards Australia’s content in the Australian community under our Distribution and Licensing Policy Framework. 

Further detail on both partnerships can be seen below.

In another form of partnership, a number of our Nominating Organisation Members volunteered their time to support our ongoing NEXTgen project.  

The NEXTgen program recognises emerging industry and technical experts and provides them with the opportunity to become involved in national and international standard processes. We invited the NEXTgen cohort to a panel to learn about Nominating Organisations’, and how participants maximise their contribution and influence. We thank our members for volunteering their time. The panel was a great success.

Finally, this week sees Standards Australia host our Annual General Meeting. In this meeting we'll meet with our valued members to discuss the year in review, what we've achieved together and what we hope to achieve in the future. I look forward to this meeting and welcome the collaboration between our members and team. Accessibility and collaboration will continue to be key priorities for Standards Australia, driving the work we’ll deliver together over the coming months.

Standards Australia has entered into a partnership with the Master Builders Association of NSW (MBA).

This partnership sees MBA NSW host and provide subscriptions to Standard Sets relevant to small businesses. 

Standard Sets include a collection of standards relevant to industry. Offering real value, supporting a competitive pricing model, and facilitating better discoverability. 

The new agreement sees Standards Australia continue to achieve its promise to provide better access to Australian Standards™ under its Distribution and Licensing Policy Framework.

You can read more about the agreement and how to access the standards here.

This month, we announced that we’d entered into a new distribution agreement with the Housing Industry Association (HIA). 

HIA will now host and offer paid access to relevant Australian standards on their website as part of this agreement. 

This new distribution agreement aims to help increase essential Standards Australia’s content in the building sector.

You can read more about the agreement here.

In October, Standards Australia partnered with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to deliver a four-day series of digital summits and masterclasses.

‘Incubating Capacity for Critical and Emerging Technology Standards' focused on critical and emerging technologies in the ASEAN region.

You can see outputs and learnings from the event in our article here.

Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-042, Renewable Energy Power Supply Systems and Equipment, has recently published revised standard AS/NZS 5033:2021, Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays to ensure safeguards are in place.

the revision aims to provide clear and relevant guidance to support safe systems and safe practices for industry professionals and consumers. 

Find out more here.

During November, participants of the 2021 NEXTgen program were invited to a panel interview with key members of Nominating Organisations (Nom Orgs). Facilitated by Kim Suter, the panel provided participants with insights into what it means to be a representative, how they can be appointed by a Nom Org, and what is expected of them.  

Attendees heard from:

• Annette Hoskins, Global Standardisation Manager, Essilor International.
• James Thomson, Senior Adviser Standards and Regulation with Ai Group. 

During the session, Annette and James discussed their Nom Orgs’ recruitment process including how they attracted new representatives, skills required, desired experience and how people can put their hands up to get involved.

 Social value measurement is currently used to inform government budgets, policy development and more.

Standards Australia is now seeking consultation on the draft Handbook SA HB 204, Measuring Social Value – guidance on approach and methodologies. An Australian first, the Handbook seeks to assist decision-makers in measuring social value impact.

Standards Australia and JAS-ANZ have entered into an agreement to appoint JAS-ANZ as the Australian Member Body for the IECRE Renewable Energy Conformity Assessment System.

This membership allows Australian businesses to gain acceptance as testing laboratories, certification bodies and inspection bodies in renewable energy and will position Australia on the global stage for skills and technology development.

Membership also allows Australia the opportunity to have full ownership of conformity assessment services that can be exported globally.