Members of the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) have commenced work on a major new initiative to strengthen the professional framework underpinning auctioneering and valuation practice across Australia. The development of a comprehensive suite of AVAA Professional Standards marks an important next step in clearly defining what professional conduct, competence and accountability look like in practice for certified professionals.

The standards are being designed to enhance understanding of what is expected of individuals holding the AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) and AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) credentials. By articulating professional obligations in practical, accessible terms, the standards also support AVAA’s broader advocacy efforts to have these credentials more widely recognised and relied upon by government, financial institutions and consumers.

At their core, the AVAA Professional Standards translate ethical principles and governance obligations into clear guidance across the full lifecycle of professional practice. They address areas such as professional development, risk management, client funds handling, insurance, conduct, valuation practice and emerging issues affecting the sector. Collectively, the standards are intended to provide certainty for members, while offering confidence to clients, regulators and the wider community about the professionalism of AVAA-certified practitioners.

The standards are being drafted by the AVAA Membership & Professional Standards Committee and will be released progressively for member public consultation, prior to approval by the AVAA Board. This deliberate approach ensures that members, stakeholders and interested parties have the opportunity to provide feedback before the standards are finalised. This process is designed to ensure the standards are robust, practical and grounded in real-world professional experience of AVAA members.  The suite of standards currently in development includes:

  • Code of Ethics for Professionals
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance
  • Auction Client Funds Handling
  • Auction Conduct
  • Minimum Valuation Report Standard
  • Expert Witness and Tribunal Practice
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence Use
  • Conflicts of Interest and Independence
  • Complaints Handling and Professional Conduct
  • Record Keeping and Information Management
  • Advertising, Representations and Use of Credentials
  • Cyber Security and Technology Risk
  • Engagement and Terms of Appointment
  • Valuation Instructions and Reliance
  • Remote, Desktop and Technology-Assisted Valuation
  • Auction Formats and Digital Platforms
  • Anti-Money Laundering and High-Risk Transactions
  • Use of Subcontractors and Assistants
  • Regulatory Complaints and Notifications
  • Professional Boundaries and Client Relationships

Together, these standards articulate what it means to hold the CAAu and CVAu credentials in practical terms. They reinforce that certification is not solely about technical competence, but also about ethical conduct, accountability and consistent professional practice across diverse fields and business models.

The initiative reflects AVAA’s leadership role as the national body for auctioneers and valuers and, critically, its member-driven approach to governance and professional development. Drawing on consultation outcomes and practitioner experience, the standards are being shaped by those who best understand the realities of professional practice.

Above all, the development of the AVAA Professional Standards is a member-centric initiative. By providing clarity about obligations and aligning professional expectations with contemporary regulatory and governance realities, the standards are designed to strengthen the long-term value and recognition of AVAA professional certification, while supporting members in their day-to-day work and advancing professionalism across the sector.

Interested In Finding Out More?

For further information on the development of the AVAA Professional Standards, please send an email to company.secretary@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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