Standards Australia: Understanding Australian Standards in Building

You may see references such as AS, AS/NZS or Australian Standard throughout building plans, engineering documents and construction specifications.

Standards Australia is Australia’s leading standards development organisation. It works with industry, government and technical experts to develop standards designed to support safe, consistent and reliable products, services and systems.

Australian Standards cover many areas relevant to building and construction, including structures, concrete, timber, fire protection, accessibility and other technical requirements.

Standards themselves are generally voluntary; however, they can become mandatory when referenced by legislation, regulations or other regulatory requirements.

For homeowners and developers, you generally won’t need to determine the applicable standards yourself. Your architect, engineer, builder and building surveyor will identify the standards relevant to your project.

Useful resource: Standards Australia

If you have questions about the building compliance requirements affecting your proposed works, CFL Permits can assist with your building permit application and approval process.