Standards Australia to continue as peak standards body

Standards Australia funding will continue at current or increased levels if recommendations from a draft report are followed that suggest it remain Australia's peak standards development organisation.

The report was released by the Productivity Commission on 25 July and investigates the relationship between Standards Australia and the federal government.

John Tucker, CEO of Standards Australia, said that while the commission has raised some important issues, the draft review is positive.

It is now up to Standards Australia to present the Productivity Commission with a comprehensive response to the 16 recommendations made in the draft.

"It is pleasing many of the recommendations, including increased partnership arrangements and better use of technology, are reflected in the major reforms currently underway at Standards Australia," Tucker said.

The final report is expected to go to Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello and the Minister for Industry Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane in November.

To view a full copy of the report, go to http://www.pc.gov.au/study/standards/draftreport/index.html.