Australian Standards are official technical standards that define how products, services, processes or systems must be designed in Australia to meet the highest safety, performance and quality requirements. They are developed by Standards Australia, the national standards organization for Australia.

Australian Standards represent high quality, safety and international connectivity – this is no accident. Their standardization process is based on five central principles:

1. Consensus-oriented development process
   All relevant stakeholders – from industry and consumer associations to authorities and research – are involved. A standard is only adopted once the responsible committee has reached a viable consensus.
2. Transparency & traceability
   Each step in the development process is documented and is publicly accessible. Drafts are published for public comment so that interested parties can contribute their opinions.
3. Openness & inclusion
   Any interest group can participate or contribute. The aim is to create standards that are widely accepted, practical and applicable.
4. Adaptation to international standards
   Where possible, international ISO or IEC Standards are adopted or adapted. This facilitates trade, promotes global compatibility and prevents isolated solutions.
5. Relevance & validity
   Standards are reviewed regularly. Outdated standards are revised or withdrawn so that they always reflect the current state of technology, science and legislation.

These principles make Australian Standards a reliable, transparent and sustainable standards collection that supports both public protection and business innovation.

The standards collection from Standards Australia comprises all formal guidelines, procedures and principles that govern the development, revision and publication of Australian Standards® and other normative documents. It defines how standards are created, who is involved, and the rules according to which decisions are made.

Australian Standards have been developed for anyone in Australia who manufactures products, provides services or carries out construction, installation or operational processes – essentially anyone who needs to ensure that their work is safe, of high quality and legally compliant.

Typical user groups:

• Industry & manufacturers – E.g. mechanical engineering, construction industry, electronics, food production.
• Service providers – From construction companies and installation companies to testing laboratories.
• Planners & engineers – Architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers.
• Authorities & regulatory bodies – E.g. for construction supervision, occupational safety or the environment.
• Education & research – Universities, technical colleges, institutes.
• End consumers – Benefit indirectly from safe and standard-compliant products.

Australian Standards are developed under the direction of Standards Australia, the country’s officially recognized standards organization. Technical committees with representatives from all relevant areas – including industry, authorities, consumer associations, trade unions and research institutions – work on the content.

The development of standards follows clear principles:

• Consensus instead of majority decision – A standard is only adopted if all parties involved agree.
• Public participation – Drafts are published so that experts and the public can provide feedback.
• International orientation – Where appropriate, international ISO or IEC Standards are adopted or adapted to ensure global compatibility.

This results in a practical, transparent and broad-based collection of standards that equally promotes safety, quality and trade.