Standards Australia is recognised by the Commonwealth Government as the nation's peak Standards body. It is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that coordinates standardization activities and facilitates the development of Australian Standards® by working with Government, industry and the community.

Through the Accreditation Board for Standards Development Organisations (ABSDO) other Standards Development Organisations can be accredited to develop Australian Standards. Additionally, excellence in design and innovation is promoted by Standards Australia through its Australian International Design Awards program.

Standards Australia meets national needs for contemporary, internationally aligned Standards and related services that deliver Net Benefit to Australia.

To support this objective, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has existed between Standards Australia and the Commonwealth Government since 1988.

Standards Australia is also Australia's member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), providing a direct link to the international arena and creating further standards development efficiencies.

Standards Australia is a company limited by guarantee, with 71 members representing groups interested in the development and application of standards and related products and services.