Global standards and best-practice regulations adopted in key markets
Action 1.2D
The Government will advocate open telecommunications standards in international and regional standard setting bodies that support an efficient, interoperable and interconnected global network, including the International Telecommunication Union.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
recommendation/s
Strengthen Australia’s role in the standards development process and ensure sufficient transparency and opportunity for the services sector to engage in the process.
Progress to date
Australia is participating in the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity regional preparatory meetings for the ITU Standardization Sector (ITU-T) peak meeting at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA). Through this participation, Australia is promoting good governance and accountability of the ITU-T and advocating for the development of standards that support open, secure and interoperable telecommunications networks.
The Assembly defines the work program for the ITU-T and leadership team for the next four years and agree WTSA Resolutions that will shape the future direction of the ITU-T and its role in developing telecommunication/ICT standards.
The development of international standards on current and emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) is increasingly important to ensure consistency for consumers, provide confidence in the safety and reliability of products and services, to promote interoperability, and to assist in reducing barriers to international trade.
In recognition of this, Standards Australia is playing an instrumental role in shaping global ICT standards through a range of projects, including:
- leading the development of new international standards for blockchain technologies through driving the establishment and management of ISO/TC 307, Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, and supporting Australian expert participation in blockchain international standards development;
- the release of Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard, a report that provides a framework for Australia to effectively support AI and its future across the globe through influencing the development of standards for AI internationally; and,
- partnering with the Australian Cyber Security Growth Centre (AustCyber) and the NSW Government to launch the NSW Cyber Security Standards Harmonisation Taskforce that is supporting accelerating the adoption of industry standards for cyber security across Australia.