Professional standards are an important part of maintaining trust in valuation and auction services. They support professional accountability, consumer confidence, ethical conduct, risk management, and consistent professional practice. At the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA), the AVAA Professional Standards are developed through a structured and transparent process designed to ensure they remain relevant, practical, and responsive to the needs of members, clients, regulators, and the broader community.

The process often begins when an issue is identified by members, consumers, insurers, regulators, government agencies, courts, or industry stakeholders. Emerging technologies, changing legislation, evolving professional practices, and new risks may all highlight the need for a new Professional Standard or the revision of an existing one.

AVAA’s approach is deliberately member-driven. The AVAA Professional Standards framework is intended to reflect the realities of professional valuation and auction practice while supporting the public interest. Feedback from members plays an important role in identifying areas where greater guidance, clarity, or consistency may be required.

Once a need has been identified, a draft AVAA Professional Standards is prepared by individuals with expertise in the relevant subject matter. Depending on the topic, this may include experienced valuers, auctioneers, legal practitioners, governance specialists, compliance professionals, or other industry experts. The objective is to develop practical, principles-based standards that support professional conduct and consumer protection.

Draft Professional Standards are then considered by the AVAA Membership & Professional Standards Committee. The Committee reviews the proposed Standard to ensure it is clear, practical, proportionate, and consistent with the broader AVAA Professional Standards framework. Particular attention is given to how each Standard interacts with other standards and contributes to professional accountability, risk management, and public confidence.

Consultation is a key feature of the development process. Following Committee review, draft Standards are released for member and public comment. This allows members, clients, insurers, regulators, government agencies, professional advisers, and other interested stakeholders to provide feedback and identify issues that may require further consideration.

The consultation process helps strengthen the quality of the AVAA Professional Standards. It provides an opportunity to identify practical implementation challenges, improve drafting, clarify expectations, and ensure that standards remain aligned with industry needs and community expectations. Feedback received during consultation is carefully considered before any final recommendations are made.

Following consultation, submissions are reviewed and amendments are incorporated where appropriate. The proposed Professional Standard is then submitted to the AVAA Board. This group of industry leaders considers whether the Standard supports professional excellence, consumer confidence, and the strategic objectives of the Association before determining whether it should be approved.

Each AVAA Professional Standard only takes effect after approval by the AVAA Board. This governance process helps ensure that standards are subject to appropriate oversight and reflect the broader interests of the profession, consumers, and stakeholders who rely on valuation and auction services.

Professional standards are not intended to remain static. Every AVAA Professional Standard is subject to a mandatory review period of no more than five years. Earlier reviews may be warranted when legislative reform, regulatory developments, technological change, emerging risks, or changes in professional practice indicate that updates may be required.

Regular review helps ensure that the AVAA Professional Standards remain contemporary, effective, and aligned with best practice. It also supports continuous improvement and helps AVAA maintain a professional framework that responds to evolving industry conditions and community expectations.

Collectively, the AVAA Professional Standards provide a framework that supports trust and confidence in professional valuation and auction services. They establish expectations relating to professional conduct, ethics, continuing professional development, consumer protection, valuation practice, auction practice, risk management, and accountability. For holders of the AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) and AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) credentials, the framework demonstrates an ongoing commitment to recognised professional standards. Whether engaging a machinery valuer, motor vehicle valuer, art valuer, jewellery valuer, collectables valuer, expert witness, auctioneer, or other valuation specialist, clients can have confidence that CVAu and CAAu credential holders operate within a professional framework designed to promote competence, integrity, independence, transparency, and trust.

Interested In Finding Out More?

For further information on the AVAA Professional Standards, please 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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