The Professional Standards Councils welcome today’s Building Ministers’ Forum statement that, as part of the states and territories working towards a coordinated approach to professional indemnity insurance, an options paper will be developed by September 2019 that sets out a pathway for professional standards schemes in the sector.
The Professional Standards Councils presented to the Building Ministers’ Forum Industry Roundtable this morning on their work to improve professional standards and protect consumers across Australia. The Councils have specific responsibilities under professional standards legislation for approving and supervising professional standards schemes operated by occupational associations.
Professional standards schemes can help bring stability and confidence to the market for professional indemnity insurance. They help to raise the quality of services and professional conduct of practitioners and improve consumer protection with associated benefits that can reduce risk and liability.
The Councils encourage occupational associations in the built environment sector to contact the Professional Standards Authority to find out how they can develop professional standards to better regulate their members and apply for a professional standards scheme.
To find out more and arrange a meeting to discuss professional standards schemes, email the Professional Standards Authority at pscinfo@psc.gov.au or call on 02 8315 0800.