Members of the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) are driving a significant next step in strengthening the professional framework that underpins auctioneering and valuation practice in Australia.  The AVAA Professional Standards suite is in development, forming a coherent and clearly articulated suite of standards that describe what professional conduct, accountability, and competence look like in practice for members.

At their core, the AVAA Professional Standards set out clear expectations for professional behaviour, systems, and decision-making by AVAA Certified Auctioneers (CAAu) and AVAA Certified Valuers (CVAu). They translate ethical principles and governance obligations into practical guidance across areas such as professional development, risk management, client funds handling, insurance, conduct, and emerging issues affecting practice. Collectively, they provide certainty for members and confidence for clients, regulators, and the broader community.

The AVAA Professional Standards will be released progressively for public consultation. This consultation phase is a deliberate and important part of the process, allowing members, stakeholders, and interested parties to provide feedback before the standards are finalised and submitted to the AVAA Board for consideration and approval. This ensures the standards are robust, practical, and grounded in real professional experience.  The list of standards in development is as follows.

• AVAA Professional Standard 1 – Code of ethics for professionals
• AVAA Professional Standard 2 – Continuing professional development
• AVAA Professional Standard 3 – Professional indemnity insurance
• AVAA Professional Standard 4 – Auction client funds handling
• AVAA Professional Standard 5 – Auction conduct
• AVAA Professional Standard 6 – Minimum valuation report standard
• AVAA Professional Standard 7 – Expert witness and tribunal practice
• AVAA Professional Standard 8 – Generative artificial intelligence use
• AVAA Professional Standard 9 – Conflicts of interest and independence
• AVAA Professional Standard 10 – Complaints handling and professional conduct
• AVAA Professional Standard 11 – Record keeping and information management
• AVAA Professional Standard 12 – Advertising, representations and use of credentials
• AVAA Professional Standard 13 – Cyber security and technology risk
• AVAA Professional Standard 14 – Engagement and terms of appointment
• AVAA Professional Standard 15 – Valuation instructions and reliance
• AVAA Professional Standard 16 – Remote, desktop and technology-assisted valuation
• AVAA Professional Standard 17 – Auction formats and digital platforms
• AVAA Professional Standard 18 – Anti-money laundering and high-risk transactions
• AVAA Professional Standard 19 – Use of subcontractors and assistants
• AVAA Professional Standard 20 – Regulatory complaints and notifications
• AVAA Professional Standard 21 – Professional boundaries and client relationships

The AVAA Professional Standards underpin the professionalism for which the professionals holding the CAAu and CVAu credentials are known for. The standards articulate what it means to hold these AVAA professional credentials in practical terms, reinforcing that certification is not only about technical competence, but also about ethical conduct, accountability, and consistent professional practice across diverse fields and business models.

The development of the AVAA Professional Standards reflects AVAA’s leadership role as the national body for auctioneers and valuers. Importantly, this work is member-driven. It draws directly on feedback, consultation outcomes, and the collective experience of practitioners who understand the realities of professional practice and the expectations placed on the sector.

Above all, this is a member-centric initiative. The standards are being designed to support members in their work, provide clarity about obligations, and strengthen the value of AVAA professional certification over time. By clearly defining professional expectations and aligning them with contemporary governance and regulatory realities, the AVAA Professional Standards help ensure that AVAA continues to serve its members effectively while advancing professionalism across the sector.

Interested In Finding Out More?

For further information on the AVAA Professional Standards, please send an email to membership@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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