Standards Project News Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

28 January , 2026

What’s happening with quantum technology?

Quantum technology is already making waves in computing, communications, and sensing. Last year (2025) was proclaimed by the UN as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (see highlights and video), now’s the time to understand what’s coming, and find out more in Standards Australia’s Quantum technologies fact sheet Imagine solving complex problems that would take today’s supercomputers…

4 December , 2025

International Volunteer Day 2025: ‘Every contribution matters’

International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2025, raises awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world. The theme ‘Every contribution matters’ celebrates the power of collective action and acknowledges that every act of volunteering, big or small, contributes to a stronger and more connected world. The Day highlights…

4 December , 2025

Telehealth and Virtual Care – Draft Standard Open for Public Comment

Many GP’s, specialists, public and private health care providers now offer a telehealth and virtual care service as an option to patients. There has been widespread adoption of virtual consultation, including telephone, video conversations or recording, or an interactive form of webpage. Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth consultations. If you have a…

15 October , 2025

Responding to the challenges of population ageing in Australia

Population ageing is one of the major forces shaping Australia’s future as Australians are living longer although with increased vulnerability to health and wellbeing risks. Populations are ageing at a rapid pace across the OECD member countries, however they are not ageing as well as they could. This will have large consequences for health and…

13 October , 2025

World Standards Day 14 October 2025

Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals World Standards Day is celebrated every year on the 14 October and offers the opportunity to increase understanding of the importance of standardization. Most of us are not aware of how standards work or why we need them.…

2 October , 2025

Helmets for Skiers and Skateboarders – Standard Open for Public comment

Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. Most Australian ski resorts recommend wearing helmets and make them mandatory for children and participants in terrain parks or racing. The intention of helmets is to reduce the risk of injury to the skull and part of the head surrounded…

1 October , 2025

Green Action Week 2025 – Sustainable Consumption

Green Action Week is a global campaign that promotes sustainable consumption through the power of community. Every October, groups around the world come together to share knowledge, resources, skills, and spaces – taking action to reduce waste, live more sustainably and build stronger, more resilient communities. The theme is a Sharing Community, a celebration of creative, practical…

16 September , 2025

Bunk Beds Standard open for public comment

Children are at serious risk of injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. Serious injuries that can happen include fractures, concussion, and strangulation. Standards Australia has released a revised draft standard DR AS/NZS 4220:2025 Bunk beds and other elevated beds for Public Comment (see below). This Standard specifies strength, durability, stability and general…

3 September , 2025

New consumer safety guide – Button Batteries

Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia has launched a new free Consumer Reference Guide on Button Batteries to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice aimed at preventing common…

2 September , 2025

Standards Australia Professional Development Programs – Applications Open Now

Standards Australia are looking for the next generation of change-makers to join their team and make a difference. Graduate Program This hands-on program gives graduates the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work. Through rotations across key departments, participants gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of how we operate – More information and how to apply NEXTgen…

15 July , 2025

Landmark Standard to Empower and Protect Children in the Metaverse

The Metaverse, an innovative complex virtual environment that’s emerging as the next online frontier, is fraught with risks to children including online bullying, grooming, and identity theft. The new landmark Australian standard AS 5402:2025 Children’s Safety in the Metaverse provides a framework for advancing children’s safety in the Metaverse with a focus on privacy and accessibility.…

16 June , 2025

Dementia Inclusive Communities and Standards

More than 430,000 Australians are living with dementia and the number is growing as our population ages. Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Because dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia there is considerable interest in managing its social and economic…