Tradies and small businesses will be given free access to mandatory Australian Standards for the first time later this year.
This could save small construction firms up to $1600 a year in fees.
Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh said the online service would be available to workers such as electricians, plumbers and builders.
Previously they had to pay for access to standards they were legally required to follow.
The opening up of the information followed the allocation of four-year funding of $42.7 million for Standards Australia.
“For too long, mandatory Australian Standards have sat behind a paid access system, leaving electricians, plumbers, builders, manufacturers, safety officers and small business owners paying to see what they are required to do,” Mr Leigh said.
“Today, the Government completed the legislative process to make funding available for this program.
“The Government will now work through the final steps with Standards Australia to get the program up‑and‑running.”
The Government expects the program to start “in the coming months”.
In the meantime, businesses and workers can register on the Standards Australia website to receive updates on when free access will be available.
“Free access means lower costs for business and fewer barriers to getting work done. That’s exactly the kind of productivity reform Australia needs,” Mr Leigh said.
“It will also make it easier for businesses to get the rules right, which is good for workers and consumers.”
