Free Australian Standards
The Federal Government has announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget they will fund free public access to Australian Standards referenced in safety legislation, under a $42.7 million budget measure. Commencement date is yet to be confirmed.
The change means mandatory standards for workplace health and safety (WHS), construction and product safety can be read online for without cost.
Examples of standards likely to be provided free include:
WHS-Related Australian Standards
AS/NZS 1715 & 1716: Respiratory protection
AS/NZS 1269: Occupational noise
AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations
AS 4024: Machinery safety
AS 1940: Flammable liquids
AS 1657: Access systems
AS/NZS 1891: Fall arrest systems
Electrical and Energy
AS/NZS 3000: Wiring rules
AS/NZS 3012: Construction electrical
AS/NZS 4836: Electrical work safety
NCC-Referenced Standards
AS/NZS 1170: Structural loads
AS 3600: Concrete structures
AS 4100: Steel structures
AS 2870: Footings and slabs
AS 2118: Sprinkler systems
Consumer Product Safety
Mandatory standards under Australian Consumer Law apply to items such as helmets, cots, and toys.
Other Law Areas
AS/NZS 3500: Plumbing
AS/NZS 5601: Gas installations
AS 1210: Pressure vessels