AUS and NZ Safety Professional Associations Sign Collaboration Agreement

The Safety Institute of Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM), setting the basis for knowledge sharing, provision of mutual member benefits, and collaboration on future projects.

At the signing ceremony in Auckland, SIA Chief Executive David Clarke acknowledged the significant changes occurring in health and safety in New Zealand, describing the next five years as a once in a generation opportunity to significantly improve workplace health and safety.

Mr Clarke described the MoU between the two agencies as an opportunity to enhance the shared responsibility of representing the profession in each country, to learn from one another and assist each other to deliver high quality services to their mutual members.

“Our two agencies have so much in common, including a shared belief in the power of collaboration to produce better results for everybody. This is our opportunity to support each other to improve health and safety practice in both countries.”

Echoing this sentiment, NZISM CEO Selena Armstrong welcomed the agreement, and said there was endless opportunity for further collaboration between partners.

“This MoU is focused on knowledge sharing, the provision of mutual member benefits and working together on future projects that enhance our organisations and the health and safety industry. We are excited about what this means for both of our members who regularly cross the ditch to conferences and events and who want to engage on an international and regional level.”

“There will also be discussions with our networks such as the Emerging Safety Leaders (ESL) in New Zealand and the well-established Young Safety Professionals network in Australia, to look at increased collaboration in this space. There are endless opportunities to work in partnership and we look forward to bringing these to all of our members.”

Mr Clarke said that over the coming year, announcements would be made about joint approaches to member services and projects.