AAAS Review

Engagement Now Open

Engagement Opens for National Review of Australian Adventure Activity Standard & Good Practice Guides

The Australian outdoor adventure activity industry is invited to take part in the 2025–26 Review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) — the national voluntary good-practice framework for the safe, responsible, and inclusive delivery of led outdoor adventure activities.

Funded by state and territory sport and recreation departments, the review is being led by the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) with Dr David Marsden appointed as Project Lead. The review will apply a structured, evidence-based methodology to ensure that the updated Standard and Good Practice Guides remain practical, and aligned with evolving sector, community, legal, and cultural expectations.

Why It Matters

Originally developed by the industry for the industry, the AAAS and GPGs are widely used by NFP organisations, government, outdoor leaders, land managers, educators, and program providers as practical guidance to support the safe and responsible delivery of outdoor adventure activities. The 2025–26 Review will embed four strategic focus areas:

  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Environmental Responsibility
  • Indigenous Australian Culture and Heritage
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

These will be delivered through six key levers including leadership, planning, participant preparation, environmental care, logistics, and safety systems.

How the Industry Can Get Involved

Join the consultation platform

The review includes stakeholder consultation, regulatory review, expert input, risk data analysis, and desktop testing. Broad national engagement is central to the process and will range from public consultation through to thematic focus groups and an expert advisory pool.

Consultation methods include:

  • Public briefings and webinars
  • Online surveys and community forums
  • Stakeholder focus groups (across education, tourism, indigenous culture and heritage, DEI, health/safety, environment, and more)
  • Semi-structured interviews with selected organisations
  • A subject matter expert advisory pool to guide the refinement of the revised AAAS and GPG’s
  • Pilot testing and public comment on drafts

Key Engagement Opportunities

May 2025

  • National Project Briefings (Online)
  • Tuesday 6 May, 1–2pm
  • Tuesday 6 May, 5–6pm
  • Saturday 17 May, 1-2pm
  • Monday 19 May 1-2pm
  • Recorded and available on the consultation platform

June – August 2025

  • Stakeholder Focus Groups (Online)
  • 1:1 Interviews with peak bodies and national organisations
  • National Surveys, Webinars, and Forums
  • State and Territory Briefings (Face-to-Face)

September – October 2025

  • In-person Consultation Forums
  • Held in major cities and regional centres to test draft concepts and collect practical feedback.

March – April 2026

  • Public Comment and Pilot Testing
  • Final drafts released for sector-wide review and real-world field trials.

June 2026

  • Final Release
  • Updated AAAS and GPGs published with implementation tools, FAQs, and user guidance.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

Register for updates, access consultation tools, or sign up to participate via the AAAS Community Engagement Platform, May 2025.

Register for consultations and updates here

Join the consultation platform

Visit the website: www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com

AAAS Consultations and Updates Registration Form

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