Professional Standards Councils
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About Us

Our Mission:
The Professional Standards Councils' mission is to promote consumer protection and excellence in professional standards by encouraging the self-regulation of occupational groups through the Cover of Excellence® schemes.

Cover of Excellence® schemes are for members of occupational associations, and:
    1. recognise those who implement robust risk management strategies such as complaints and discipline systems, codes of ethics and continuing occupational education;
    2. limit occupational liability for members of occupational associations who carry professional indemnity insurance and/or business assets to the limitation of liability amount; and
    3. entitle members of the occupational association to enjoy the reputation of the Cover of Excellence® logo.

The Professional Standards Councils were constituted under state and territory professional standards legislation with the mandate to approve and monitor Cover of Excellence® schemes. There are eight Councils - one Council sitting for each Australian state and territory. The Councils consist of the same 11 members, nominated by each state and territory and the Commonwealth Government.


The Councils support and endorse strong corporate governance principles. Examples of such principles can be found in "AS8000-2003 Good Governance Principles", as published by Standards Australia. This information can be sourced from Standards Australia on 1800 035 822, or by visiting its website www.standards.org.au.

Occupational associations apply to the Councils under the relevant professional standards legislation for a Cover of Excellence® scheme. The Councils must be satisfied that the scheme fulfils legislative requirements to improve professional standards and protect consumers before it will approve the scheme.

Schemes that the Councils have approved are recommended to the relevant state or territory Minister for gazettal. Once gazetted, the scheme will limit the occupational liability of members of that association, in the relevant state or territory.
The Commonwealth has also passed legislation that allows occupational liability to be limited under the following Acts:
    - Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (previously Trade Practices Act 1974 )
    - Corporations Act 2001
    - Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 2001

    >>> Links to legislation

Office of the Professional Standards Councils (OPSC)

The OPSC is located within the Department of Attorney General and Justice. It is accountable to both the Councils and the Department.

The OPSC provides operational support, strategic advice and undertakes research and analysis for all the Councils. It acts on Council decisions and provides customer service.

Timetable of Councils' 2012 meeting dates

DateLocation
17 February
29 March
30 March
25 May
2 August
3 August
12 October
6 December
7 December		Sydney
Perth (FARMC)
Perth
Canberra
Sydney (FARMC)
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney (FARMC)
Sydney


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