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Councils’ work and activities

As of 30 June 2024, there were 18 schemes in force, 17 nationally. The number of occupational association members subject to these schemes has grown to over 97,800, an increase of 2.8%.

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Association members subject to professional standards schemes

The number of occupational association members subject to schemes increased over the year from 95,187 to 97,853.

Average number of persons by state and territory in professional standards schemes.

WA: 7,592

NT: 269

SA: 5,167

QLD: 17,250

NSW: 41,505

ACT: 1,400

VIC: 21,401

TAS: 666

The number of occupational association members subject to schemes increased over the year from 95,187 to 97,853.

Bar and line graph showing the sustained growth of occupational association members over the last 10 years.

The above graph includes prior financial years' scheme participation adjustments, as provided by associations.

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Implementation of new reporting Template and Guidance

In 2023, the Councils released the refreshed Annual Professional Standards Report Template and Guidance to associations. Launched in 2022, this integrates and aligns reporting with the Scheme Application Framework and streamlines annual reporting requirements.

For associations that used the new Template and Guidance for the first time, there was an average reduction of 57% in the volume of material required under the former reporting format.

Image of Council member holding a cup of coffee and smiling at two other people who their back to camera
The APSR was easier and more focused.
Overall, the [new template] was much more succinct and was very helpful to us in the preparation of our scheme re[make] application.
The APSR was easier and more focused.
Overall, the [new template] was much more succinct and was very helpful to us in the preparation of our scheme re[make] application.

Observations from association annual reporting on schemes

Accountants

Achievements observed across the accounting associations include:

  • reviews and updates to risk management plans, including review of existing risks and controls and/or new or emerging risks and risk management strategies
  • two associations delivered initiatives to provide education, training or resources related to ethics requirements
  • two associations made changes to complaints systems to improve monitoring or processes to improve management of complaints and disciplinary action
  • one association updated information and resources to inform members of scheme obligations.

Solicitors

Achievements observed across the solicitor sector include:

  • three associations updated information and resources to assist with improving understanding of the scheme
  • four associations provided training, support or guidance regarding harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying
  • four associations conducted monitoring activities for compliance with professional indemnity insurance requirements
  • one association reviewed and updated its Risk and Compliance Framework and updated relevant registers, which included updates to existing risks, ratings, requirements and controls.

Barristers

Achievements observed across several bar associations include:

  • delivery of initiatives related to addressing risks of sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying, including review of policies, training, continuing professional development and other guidance
  • monitoring activities on members’ compliance with limited liability disclosure and continuing professional development requirements, including compliance declarations, reviews of documents/records and audits
  • one association reviewed its risk register to ensure current controls remain adequate to address existing risks and incorporated additional controls to manage identified risks
  • one association conducted a comprehensive review of the scheme Compliance Plan including, governance, compliance obligations and controls, risk identification, performance evaluation and measures for improvement.

Built Environment

Achievements observed across the built environment/other sector include:

  • initiatives to communicate or raise awareness of the professional standards scheme or scheme obligations with members
  • engagement with members or other stakeholders to promote the scheme and/or undertaking initiatives to increase participation
  • three associations considered code of ethics requirements, which included two associations revising or updating their codes of ethics and one association commencing a review process for identifying opportunities for improvement
  • two associations updated risk management plans, which included updates to controls to address existing risks or incorporating emerging risks and risk management strategies.
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Association annual reporting outcomes and trends

In 2022, 72% of associations reported use of elements of root cause analysis, 85% of these associations reported elements of risk management strategies informed by root cause analysis. In 2023, 61% of associations reported use of elements of root cause analysis, 82% of these associations reported elements of risk management strategies informed by root cause analysis. In 2022, 72% of associations reported use of elements of root cause analysis, 85% of these associations reported elements of risk management strategies informed by root cause analysis. In 2023, 61% of associations reported use of elements of root cause analysis, 82% of these associations reported elements of risk management strategies informed by root cause analysis.
12 (2021) down to 10 (2022) and up to 13 (2023) claims exceeding 50% of the monetary ceiling. Supported by an arrow that tracks down and then ticks back up. 12 (2021) down to 10 (2022) and up to 13 (2023) claims exceeding 50% of the monetary ceiling. Supported by an arrow that tracks down and then ticks back up.

Australian Research Councils Linkage Project

In previous reporting years, the Councils reported on the progress of a three-year Linkage Project: Constructing Building Integrity: Raising Standards through Professionalism investigating rebuilding trust and confidence in the building and construction sector in Australia.

As a lead partner organisation in the project, the Councils continued to engage with the Project Steering Group during the reporting period. The Project Steering Group, including representatives from the Councils and the Authority, met quarterly to collaborate on project progress and research findings and contribute to the research outputs.

Closeup of several hands, each holding open industry report for the Constructing Building Integrity: Raising Standards Through Professionalism ARC Linkage Project

Research outputs

Monograph: The Councils contributed to a monograph compiled by Griffith University as the main academic output of the project, focusing on self and meta-regulatory models.

Industry report: In August 2023 and June 2024, the Councils hosted industry events to raise awareness of the research project, engage on the findings and recommendations of the research.

Project Steering Group Chair Mr Peter Gow speaking at the June 2024 industry event
Photo of Dr Hugh Breakey (Griffith University), Councils’ Chair John Vines OAM, Prof Hazel Easthope (UNSW), Elizabeth Bazen (Curtin University), Prof Sacha Reid (Griffith University), Dr Katja Cooper (Griffith University), Dr Sancia West (Authority Senior Research Officer), Prof Charles Sampford (Project Lead, Griffith University) and Peter Gow (Project Chair) at June 2024 industry event.

Professional Standards Forums

A Professional Standards Forum held in October 2023 provided an opportunity for over 30 delegates from across the national system to hear from experts and peer associations on the topic of ‘Managing compliance – tips, tools and techniques’.

Three people standing together and having a conversation at a Professional Standards Forum

The Forum featured:

  • an overview session facilitated by the Governance Institute of Australia on strengthening compliance management systems, based on the Australian Standard and legislative obligations
  • two practical workshops on managing scheme compliance with professional standards legislation and managing member compliance with professional standards obligations
  • case studies from the Law Society of South Australia and the Law Society of New South Wales on their associations’ approach to maintaining compliance frameworks and monitoring compliance plans.
I thoroughly enjoyed the group discussions during the workshops, and I feel that extending those times would be beneficial to further collaboration
This was an excellent event to see what other organisations are implementing to ensure legislative and membership compliance.
It was a great way to network with other associations and hear their thoughts – the workshops were very useful and interactive.
I thoroughly enjoyed the group discussions during the workshops, and I feel that extending those times would be beneficial to further collaboration
This was an excellent event to see what other organisations are implementing to ensure legislative and membership compliance.

Read more in the Councils’ 2023-24 Annual Report

Cover of Professional Standards Councils' 2023–24 Annual Report