New national guidelines for guided outdoor adventure activities

The safety of active and adventurous Australians has been strengthened with new standards and guidelines being rolled out across the country.

Developed in partnership with the nation’s Sports and Recreation Ministers, the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) are part of the first Australia-wide framework for good practice risk and safety management for providers of guided outdoor adventure activities.

The AAAS apply to organisations conducting outdoor recreation activities where the participants have a level of dependence on the leader.

This new national approach will make it easier for activity providers to operate in multiple jurisdictions, improve sharing of expertise and experience, and improve safety for participants.

These changes provide clear and consistent guidance for ACT businesses, and ensure that across the country, the community can expect to be supported by best practice risk and safety management.

The project was supported by State and Territory governments, State peak outdoor bodies and over 100 industry technical experts who volunteered their time to help.

Welcoming the release of the guidelines, Outdoor Council of Australia President, Andrew McGuckian stated "standards shouldn’t change just because you cross a border.

"This new National approach ensures everyone has clear guidance on how to achieve the highest safety standards and deliver the best possible experience for participants in outdoor activities across Australia.”