Members, Technical Assessors, staff and stakeholders came together for the 2026 NATA Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a year of strong performance, growing industry influence and strategic progress while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of accreditation.
Hosted by NATA Chair Dr Sanmarié Schlebusch and recently appointed CEO Natalia Centellas, the AGM provided an overview of NATA’s achievements and strategic priorities, while highlighting initiatives that continue to strengthen the value, recognition and impact of accreditation across Australia.
Among the key themes discussed were the landmark University of Technology Sydney (UTS) study into the value of accreditation, the success of Accreditation Matters 2026, and the critical role NATA’s volunteers play in maintaining confidence in Australia’s accreditation system.
In her first AGM as CEO, Natalia Centellas outlined a vision focused on member value, stakeholder engagement, organisational capability and future readiness. She emphasised the importance of ensuring NATA remains responsive to an evolving operating environment while continuing to deliver the technical excellence, impartiality and integrity relied upon by members, regulators and industry.
Natalia also highlighted the extraordinary contribution of NATA’s Technical Assessors and the organisations that support them. She noted that NATA’s peer-assessment model remains one of the defining strengths of Australia’s accreditation system, enabling independent, objective and professional assessments that underpin trust in accredited services.
This message carried particular significance as NATA prepares for its ISO/IEC 17011 peer evaluation in March 2027. The international assessment will determine whether NATA continues to meet globally recognised accreditation standards, helping ensure Australian accredited organisations retain international acceptance and recognition.
The AGM also welcomed Board-Nominated Director Paul Nicholls, who was appointed for a further three-year term, and acknowledged the successful election of Member-Nominated Director Kristy De George. Kristy is the Chief Operating Officer of the Alfred Health/Monash Health Shared Pathology Service, leading one of Australia’s largest integrations of public pathology and brings important skills in executive leadership and governance experience to the Board.
There is currently an ongoing election for the second available Member Nominated Director position, and this will be announced once the election result has been finalised.
The meeting also acknowledged NATA’s upcoming 80th anniversary in early 2027, celebrating eight decades of supporting Australia’s quality infrastructure and building confidence in testing, inspection, calibration and certification services.
Looking ahead, NATA reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement as we move rapidly into the digital age. As industries navigate increasing complexity, emerging technologies and evolving regulatory expectations, NATA remains focused on helping organisations demonstrate competence, build trust and deliver confidence to government, industry and the wider community.