The latest suite of draft professional standards released by the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) has been warmly received by clients, industry stakeholders and AVAA Certified Valuers (CVAu) and AVAA Certified Auctioneers (CAAu), reinforcing the growing recognition that professionalism, transparency and accountability are increasingly important within modern valuation and auction practice.
The new draft standards cover key areas of professional practice, including professional indemnity insurance, auction conduct, expert witness work, conflicts of interest, complaints handling, cyber security, anti-money laundering, terms of engagement, remote valuations and the use of consultants and subcontractors. Together, they represent one of the most comprehensive frameworks for auctioneers and valuers developed in Australia.
The purpose of AVAA Professional Standards is to establish clear expectations for professional conduct and provide practical guidance that protects clients, strengthens businesses and promotes consistency across the profession. They provide consumers, businesses, financiers, legal practitioners and government agencies with confidence that work undertaken by professionals with the respected CVAu and CAAu credentials is supported by recognised standards and ongoing accountability.
Feedback received to date during the consultation period has been particularly encouraging. Certified valuers and auctioneers have welcomed the practical and principles-based approach adopted by AVAA, noting that the standards reflect contemporary practice while remaining sufficiently flexible to accommodate the diverse sectors in which members operate. Clients and referral sources have also responded positively, recognising that the AVAA Professional Standards contribute to greater transparency, reduced risk and improved confidence in professional advice.
The latest drafts include standards relating to professional indemnity insurance, auction conduct, expert witness and tribunal practice, conflicts of interest and independence, complaints handling, record keeping, advertising and use of credentials, cyber security, terms of appointment, valuation instructions and reliance, remote and technology-assisted valuation, anti-money laundering, the use of consultants and subcontractors, and regulatory complaints and notifications.
Increasingly, the AVAA Professional Standards are being recognised as the benchmark against which professional valuation and auction services are measured. Their breadth, practical focus and alignment with contemporary commercial and regulatory expectations have positioned them as the de facto standards for many sectors involving goods, chattels, plant and equipment, fine art, collectables, motor vehicles and related assets. For clients, insolvency practitioners, financiers, legal professionals and government agencies, the standards provide a clear indication of what can reasonably be expected from competent and ethical professional practice.
With the great backing of members, AVAA’s leadership in developing the professional standards framework further demonstrates its position as an opinion leader and the national voice for professional valuers and auctioneers. Rather than simply responding to change, AVAA is helping shape the future of professional practice by anticipating emerging risks and establishing frameworks that support trust, accountability and high standards of service.
For individuals and organisations seeking reliable and defensible advice, engaging an AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) or AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) provides the assurance that their adviser is supported by nationally recognised standards, continuing professional development and a professional association committed to defining and maintaining best practice across Australia’s valuation and auction industries.
Don’t miss the 2026 Australian Valuers Symposia where the professional standards framework will be discussed in Sydney on 22 October 2026, Melbourne on 20 October 2026, and Brisbane on 23 October 2026. Secure your tickets and register online today.
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Interested In Finding Out More?
If you’re interested in the AVAA Professional Standards, send an email to standards@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165. You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.
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