Harmonisation for standards in Australia and New Zealand

Standards Australia (SA) and New Zealand (SNZ) have formalised an intention to work together on relevant domestic and international activities and enhance their current working relationship.

The two standards bodies have signed a letter of intent that is designed to harmonise their respective standards development capabilities and maximise joint development opportunities.

The letter states that the enhanced cooperation is anticipated to benefit both SA and SNZ by:

• Efficiently developing consensus-based documents at lowest cost without compromising quality.
• Identifying, implementing and sharing best practice processes and systems.
• Sharing ideas and opportunities to increase SA and SNZ influence at ISO and IEC level.

As part of the closer working relationship, Standards Australia yesterday welcomed Craig Lauchlan on a two-year secondment from Standards New Zealand.

He takes on the new position of chief operating officer, standards development, after having worked for two years in a similar role in New Zealand.

CEO of Standards Australia, John Tucker said Lauchlan has a strong track record in project management and standards development. "Craig's area of focus will be on lifting our project management capabilities and to ensure products are delivered to market and to partners with consistency and timeliness," he said.

Wendy Cramer, Editor