New policy development is primarily concerned with expansion of the national measurement system, including amendments to the legislation and the development of technical infrastructure, to meet the emerging needs of industry and regulatory authorities. The impact of new technology, the use of measurement in industry and commerce, and the contribution of measurement to industrial and resource development and international trade provide an important focus for policy development. The Commission also considers the economic impact of measurements and the necessity to have legal measurements to show compliance with international treaty obligations, for example greenhouse treaty emissions. To support international trade, the Commission is participating in the development of mutual recognition agreements which, when complete, will allow for the acceptance of test results from other suitably accredited overseas laboratories. The Technical Services Group, headed by the deputy director, is responsible for policy development.
Work involves identifying issues, collecting data and seeking strategic solutions.
A network of consultative committees provides an interface between the Commission and stakeholders within the Australian community.