Australia to adopt more international standards

A productivity report into Standards Australia has recommended more organisations be accredited to develop Australian standards, as well as the adoption of more international standards.

The Productivity Commission's report, released today, has made a series of demanding recommendations, while still recognising the challenges the standards body faces.

CEO at Standards Australia, John Tucker said the Productivity Commission had acknowledged that Standards Australia has already embarked on a significant plan to address key issues of concern.

"Many of the recommendations, including increased partnership arrangements, greater emphasis on project management and better use of technology, were already part of the reforms being undertaken by Standards Australia," he said.

"An important role in the future will be the continued accreditation of other organisations to develop Australian standards. Standards Australia does not, must not and should not be seen as having a monopoly on developing industry and community standards."

The key recommendations of the report include:

• Standards Australia continuing as Australia's peak non-government standards development body.
• Continued adoption of international standards ahead of Australian standards, wherever appropriate.
• Increasing the transparency of the justification of new or amended standards.
• Maintaining or increasing current federal funding for consumer and industry involvement in international standardisation activities.
• Reducing the barriers to volunteer participation by reducing the cost of involvement.