A new licensing framework from Standards Australia will give key industries, including building and construction workers, easier access to Australian standards in digital formats.

Standards cover everything from consumer products and services, construction, engineering, information technology and the environment.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said standards are the most important reference tool used by industry to ensure products, services and systems in Australia are safe, consistent and reliable. 

“Standards Australia’s new digital framework is a positive step towards improving standards accessibility,” Minister Andrews said.

“Digital technology is increasingly being used at home and work to make life easier, as well as boost productivity and efficiency.

“It no longer makes sense to have such important guides only accessible in hard copy or at the local library. This framework will help bring it to the work site and into regional areas.

“For example, these changes could put standards in the palm of a tradie’s hand on a construction site via an app on their phone, meaning faster and more efficient safety outcomes.

“This digital advancement feeds into the continuing work of the Building Ministers’ Forum, which I chair, and which has agreed to a national approach to restoring confidence in Australia’s built environment. 

“Implementing Australian and international standards sets minimum specifications here at home, stimulating trade and enabling local businesses to sell their products anywhere in the world. This is not only good for business – it drives economic growth and job creation.”

Standards Australia CEO Adrian O’Connell said this was an exciting step forward.

“We believe this new framework will help increase the value and drive wider use of standards everywhere.”

“Enabling the digital use of our content will have long term benefits in sectors like building and construction. With the work being done by the Building Ministers’ Forum we are excited about partnerships that drive value and improve quality in construction to make it easier for tradies to do their jobs across the country.” 

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn welcomed the new framework.

“It’s good to see Standards Australia is moving to boost the availability of standards to our industry. We hope this is also a pathway to improving useability and affordability.”

A copy of the new framework can be found at www.standards.org.au

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070