Australia has strengthened its voice in international standardisation following the appointment of Standards Australia CEO Rod Balding as ISO Vice President of Finance for the 2027–28 term.
The appointment represents an important milestone for Australia, providing a direct voice in the governance of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and contributing to decisions supporting the future of the global standards system.
In his new role, Balding will work with the broader ISO Council to strengthen the organisation’s financial strategy and long-term sustainability, helping ensure international standardisation remains responsive to emerging challenges.
But the significance extends well beyond the standards community. International standards establish agreed requirements and frameworks that support quality, safety, consistency, innovation and trade. Accreditation helps turn those requirements into confidence.
Through accreditation, organisations undertaking activities such as testing, calibration, inspection and certification can demonstrate their competence against recognised standards. This independent assessment provides greater confidence that the results and services organisations rely on are technically sound and consistently delivered.
Standards and accreditation therefore work hand in hand. Standards establish the benchmark; accreditation provides confidence that organisations have the competence to meet it.
This relationship is fundamental to Australia’s quality infrastructure. From laboratory test results and measurements to inspections and certification, internationally recognised standards combined with accreditation support confidence in the information used to make important decisions.
Australia’s active participation in international standardisation also helps maintain connections between global requirements and the Australian industries, regulators, accredited organisations and consumers that rely on them.
Balding’s appointment therefore represents more than individual recognition. It strengthens Australia’s contribution to an international system in which standards provide a foundation for quality and accreditation provides confidence in competence, ultimately supporting trusted results, safer products and services, international trade and better-informed decisions.