Standards Australia is an independent non-government organisation responsible for the development of Australian Standards. Standards Australia is reviewing its corporate governance and membership system to assess whether it is fit for purpose.

Our submission acknowledges Standards Australia’s existing commitment to consumer representation in standards development. ACCAN encourages Standards Australia to make changes to its corporate governance structure and membership system to expand the role of consumer organisations, and increase their participation in Standards Australia’s governance.

Many standards are directly related to issues consumers care about deeply, like product safety, public health, or management of natural disasters. It’s important for consumers to be at the heart of standards development and the way that Standards Australia is governed.

ACCAN’s submission calls for:

• Standards Australia to update its Constitution to create one Board position for a Director with consumer experience,
• A simpler membership system that supports and seeks out consumer organisations as members,
• An appropriate level of funding for consumer representation through the Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) Standards Project, and
• Increased transparency in Standards Australia’s governance and membership procedures.

Download:  ACCAN feedback on Standards Australia Corporate Governance Review86.29 KB
Download:  ACCAN feedback on Standards Australia Corporate Governance Review186.48 KB