Australian Stabilisation Industry Association LIMITED	

ABN 20 070 311 830
PO Box 797  Artarmon  NSW  1570
Telephone 02 9411 8857 Facsimile 02 9411 8897
http://www.auststab.com.au
11th May 2006

Ms M Eibisch
Standards and Accreditation Study
Productivity Commission
PO Box 80
Belconnen  ACT  2616

Maggie,

The members of the association consist of large road construction companies, and lime, cement and bitumen suppliers, along with most of the road authorities in Australia.  The membership list can be obtained from our web site.   The goals of association are:

•	promote the stabilisation and road recycling industry,
•	set national standards of performance, 
•	assist and coordinate research, and 
•	educate and train people in the industry.

The members of the association and its Executive Director have participated, and continue to participate in various committees, and none of the labour costs, travel and accommodation costs has been repaid by Australian Standards.  It is estimated that some $50,000 per annum is spent by members reviewing and participating in committees for Australian Standards and this commitment is likely to rise by 10 to 20% next year.

Australian Standards are set by buyers, producers and sellers of products and services, and they form the basis of a level playing field in Australia.  This level playing field provides a fair business approach that hopefully results in ‘value for money’ decisions by informed buyers.  When Australian Standards are not used or are not available we have found that this leads to poor decision making that is likely to result in wasteful products and services used in the community.  It is in the best interest for all levels of government to have these Standards made available at no cost to all Australians.

The association would like the Commission to consider providing better financial support to Australian Standards such that all Standards are made available in soft copy at no cost.

The other issue we would like the Commission to consider is how management selects its members to Australian Standards.  We have been participating in Australian Standards for 10 years and we have never been offered membership status.  

I would be more than happy to provide more information to the Commission if requested.

Kind regards,

Warren Smith
President