The AAAS Review Is Open for Feedback — Have Your Say Before 31 July

After more than twelve months of an extensive consultation process for the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs), the draft documents are now open for public feedback. The consultation window closes on 31 July 2026 — and this is your last, best chance to shape the framework before the final documents are released in September.

Why this review matters

The AAAS exists because the outdoor sector built it — and it only stays relevant if the sector keeps shaping it. Led by the Outdoor Council of Australia with Dr David Marsden as Project Lead, this review was initiated in response to the evolving expectations of regulators, insurers, land managers and the industry itself. Its goal is simple: a framework that is clear, contemporary, defensible and genuinely usable across education, commercial, club, community and government settings.

This hasn't been a desktop exercise. To date, more than 340 practitioners, managers and educators have contributed through face-to-face consultations, focus groups and expert advisory activity, with over 200 organisations connected to the review. A volunteer Expert Advisory Pool of 68 technical reviewers has systematically examined the AAAS and GPG content, supported by dedicated advisory streams on Safety and Risk, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Where we're up to

The review has moved through sector listening, structured technical review, and analysis and synthesis. The proposed changes now open for comment reflect that collective input — but they need to be tested by the people who use the AAAS every day. That's you.

Whether you're a provider, guide, outdoor educator, land manager, insurer or peak body, your feedback ensures the revised standards work in the real world, not just on paper.

Why your voice counts

The strength of the AAAS lies in the collective expertise of the industry. When the final documents are released, they will underpin how led outdoor adventure activities are planned, delivered and defended across Australia for years to come. If something in the draft doesn't reflect how good practice actually works in your context — this is the moment to say so. Once the consultation closes on 31 July, that window shuts.

Broad participation also gives the standards their authority. The more voices behind the AAAS, the stronger its standing with regulators, insurers and land managers — and the better it serves everyone who works and plays in the outdoors.

How to have your say

Feedback closes 31 July 2026. It takes as little or as long as you like — comment on one activity area or the whole framework.

Visit www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/aaasreview to access the consultation hub and lodge your feedback.

And please share this with colleagues who rely on the AAAS but may not be connected to a peak body — the framework belongs to all of us, and it's stronger when everyone has their say.

The AAAS review is due to conclude with final documents released in September 2026.