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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

A must-have app

A must-have app

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Taking the helm as Standards Australia’s new CEO, Emma Harrington is off to a great start with a handy new app and a close collaboration with HIA. Housing meets Emma to discover what the future holds.

Kerryn Ramsey

Senior Content Coordinator

Why is the new Standards mobile app so handy for HIA members? 

Emma Harrington: The Standards Australia Store’s new mobile app is a value-based solution for single users to access Australian Standards™. It’s the first of its kind, and we are the first distributor to offer Australian Standards via this platform. 

We understand that access to Standards is a priority for HIA members. So the mobile app has been designed with tradespeople, technicians and workers in mind. Through the app, we are helping put the tools directly in the hands of these workers. 

Emma Harrington: CEO of Standards Australia.

What else is Standards Australia doing to improve access to Standards? 

We are dedicated to advancing the accessibility of Australian Standards. We consistently review user feedback to improve our offerings and enhance the mobile app. 

Many of our curated content sets have been developed with the building and construction industry users in mind. The sets bring together commonly referenced Standards in different trades. This includes our NCC Primary References Set, which provides access to all Standards listed in Schedule 2 of the NCC. 

Features such as selecting your own Standards in sets will be added this year to make accessing Standards easier and more affordable. 

Additionally, Standards Australia has partnered with HIA in a distribution arrangement, whereby HIA offers access to a range of Australian Standards as online digital documents and some hard copies through the HIA Shop. 

There were many Standards changes in NCC 2022. Are more coming for NCC 2025? 

Changes have been made to some of the key Standards in the housing sector likely to be referenced in NCC 2025. These include: 

  • AS 1684: Residential timber-framed construction series 
  • AS 1926.1: Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools. 

They have all been reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose, and general corrections and clarifications have been made across the board. 

AS 1684 series is the primary method of demonstrating compliance with the NCC for residential timber construction. The Standards Australia Technical Committee overseeing these documents has identified issues to be addressed.

Standards Australia and HIA have a close relationship built on mutual respect.

As Standards Australia’s new CEO, could you summarise the value of the Standards/HIA agreement?

Standards Australia and HIA have a close, collaborative relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. We are deeply grateful for the expertise and effort HIA brings to our partnership. 

Standards Australia is proud to regularly participate in NCC roadshows and value the opportunity to attend and present at the annual conference. Our Standards distribution agreement with HIA is a testament to our shared dedication to industry standards and quality. 

We look forward to the continued growth and development of our relationship with the Association. I recently met with HIA’s Simon Croft [Chief Executive – Policy & Industry] and reiterated our commitment to working closely with HIA to meet the needs of their members and to contribute to the ongoing success of the residential building industry in Australia. 

Getting access to Standards is one component, but how are you helping members broadly understand Standards’ content? 

Over the past few years, we’ve taken steps to work with governments to try to align language around the country. A common language is a big part of building understanding and making Standards easier to access. This will always be a focus at Standards Australia. 

We work closely with industry bodies such as HIA to understand what’s needed on the ground and ensure we’re working where the industry needs us. We’re also expanding our training and education platforms to get the message out about Standards, such as our courses and NSW BC – 1684 and 3500 education seminars – and participating in the HIA seminars around the country. 

In addition to these efforts, we regularly host free webinars to deepen the understanding of Standards. Topics have included gas installation, electrical installation and residential timber-framed construction, among others. 

These educational sessions contain general information that could empower attendees with the necessary knowledge to implement Standards effectively.

Easy access

Check out Standards Australia Store's new mobile app which is always up to date and designed for tradespeople.

OR:

Turn to HIA's Australian Standards page online, which can be delivered to your preferred device instantly. 

Meet Emma Harrington 

Standards Australia’s CEO, Emma Harrington, has a history of transforming companies and engaging with employees, customers and stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes. Before joining Standards Australia, Emma was CEO of NRMA Motoring and Membership business for three years, leading its strategic response to the global shifts to decarbonise transport. 

She was previously NRMA’s Chief Customer Officer. As an advocate for organisation collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment, she launched NRMA’s first female roadside patrol and tow operators in its 102-year history. 

Prior to joining NRMA, Emma held corporate positions at Foxtel Group, Yahoo7 and Seven West Media. She has a Master of Arts in Politics and International Relations from York University, Toronto, Canada.

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