AAAS Review Update

Dependency, Leadership Capability & Benefit-Risk

The Outdoor Council of Australia is currently running a short sector survey as part of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS) Review. The survey tests several proposed refinements to the AAAS and associated Good Practice Guides that have emerged through industry focus groups, wider consultation, and technical discussions with the expert advisory pool.

The aim is straightforward: improve clarity, consistency, and practical application across schools and education settings, commercial providers, clubs, and community/volunteer organisations.

The survey focuses on three specific areas where the review is seeking clearer, more consistent guidance across the sector:

1. refining how dependent participant is defined and applied, to better reflect provider duty of care and organisational safety systems (not just leader actions).
2. considering whether ISO 4980 Benefit–Risk Assessment should be included as an optional approach alongside existing ISO 31000 alignment, particularly where program benefits are central to design and delivery; and
3. testing a proposed shift to an inclusive leadership capability approach—expressing expectations through demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience, rather than prescribing vocational units of competency—so capability can be recognised across AQF qualifications, peak-body awards, robust in-house verification systems, and peer recognition.

Click the button below to go to the AAAS Sector Survey

The survey must close soon!

What do you need to do?

• Read it carefully
• Provide considered input
• Share it across your networks
• Encourage participation from education, recreation, tourism and therapy sectors

Thank you

For questions or further information, contact Dr David Marsden, Project Lead Consultant (Outdoor Council of Australia) and Director (The OREAS Group): drdavidmarsden@theoreasgroup.com | +61 0477 750 023.