Under the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW), vocational associations can apply to the Professional Standards Councils to have a unique piece of legislation passed by the State Government to formally recognise that vocational association as being professional.

A Professional Standards Scheme (“PSS”) sets the conditions of a vocational association so it can self-regulate its members to protect consumers in exchange for limiting the civil liability that a member of the PSS can be held liable for by a consumer.

Professional Standards Councils promote professional standards and states to:

• Protect consumers. We demand high levels of professional standards and practices from those that participate in Professional Standards Schemes. We expect associations within our regulated communities to make sure their members uphold these standards through education and guidance, monitoring and enforcement, and other measures. This plays an important role in protecting consumers.
• Improve professional standards. We work closely with associations to develop self-regulation initiatives. We support research, develop policies and guidelines, and promote debate and change to improve professional standards and conduct.
• Help associations. By approving and administering Professional Standards Schemes, we can work with associations to strengthen and improve professionalism within associations and promote self-regulation while protecting consumers. In return, professionals that take part in an approved Professional Standards Scheme have their civil liability limited.