The Professional Standards Councils are pleased to announce the release of a new Strategic Plan 2026-29 and Statement of Regulatory Approach.
Together, these documents set the direction for work over the next three years and reinforce the Councils commitment to strengthening consumer protection, supporting occupational associations and promoting higher professional standards across Australia.
The Strategic Plan 2026-29 is focused on enhancing the effectiveness of the national professional standards framework. It is centred on four key strategic priorities:
- Improve Councils support to occupational associations administering approved professional standards schemes.
- Improve Councils oversight of occupational associations administering approved professional standards schemes.
- Consider expansion of professional standards schemes to occupational associations in sectors which could particularly benefit from enhancing professionalism.
- Promote better understanding of the role of the national system of professional standards regulation, including its meta-regulatory framework and role in complementing other government regulatory systems.
The Statement of Regulatory Approach articulates how the Councils will perform their function within the national framework and outlines principles informing decision making and regulatory actions. It recognises the Councils’ role as stewards of the national system and emphasises principles of trust, stewardship, minimising regulatory burden, evidence-based decision making, continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
The development of both documents was informed by stakeholder consultation, and the Councils are grateful for the valuable feedback provided by occupational associations and other stakeholders during the process.
The Councils look forward to working collaboratively with occupational associations, governments, regulators, insurers and consumers to advance the objectives of professional standards legislation and strengthen consumer protection outcomes across Australia.
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