The outdoor health sector builds on comprehensive frameworks and resources already developed and available through the organisations listed below. This directory helps practitioners connect with relevant standards, professional associations, and regulatory bodies across Australia.
Outdoor Sector
Standards, peak bodies, and state-based organisations supporting outdoor recreation and adventure activities.
Standards and Guidance
Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS)
Website: www.australianaas.org.au
National voluntary standard developed by Outdoor Council of Australia with government funding. Covers risk management, planning, participants, environment, equipment, leadership, and conduct. Review of standards commenced mid-2025.
Includes:
- The Standard
- Core Good Practice Guide (comprehensive framework)
- Activity-Specific Good Practice Guides (abseiling, bushwalking, paddlecraft, etc.)
- Risk management process based on ISO 31000
- Dynamic risk assessment guidance (Appendix F to Core Good Practice Guide)
- Templates and frameworks (Appendices to Core Good Practice Guide)
Outdoor Council of Australia
Website: outdoorcouncil.asn.au
National peak body for the outdoor sector.
NATCORR (National Outdoor Training Council of Australia & NZ)
Website: natcorr.org.au
Improving outdoor professionals’ access, understanding and capacity to monitor and respond to weather and changing environmental conditions.
State-Based Outdoor Organisations
State-Based Outdoor Organisations
Outdoors Victoria
outdoorsvictoria.org.au
Outdoors NSW & ACT
www.outdoorsnswact.org
Outdoors Queensland
outdoorsqueensland.com.au
Outdoors WA
www.outdoorswa.org.au
NBONSA SA (Nature Based Outdoor Network of South Australia)
www.nbonsa.com.au
Outdoors South Australia
www.outdoorssa.org.au
Health Sector
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Website: www.ahpra.gov.au
For registered health practitioners (e.g., psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists): professional indemnity insurance requirements, codes of conduct, CPD requirements.
Professional Health Associations (Non-AHPRA Registered Professions)
Each health discipline has specific ethical standards, practice guidance and insurance requirements:
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
www.aasw.asn.au
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
www.pacfa.org.au
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
www.theaca.net.au
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
www.essa.org.au
Plus discipline-specific associations for other health professions
Outdoor Education Sector
Outdoor Education Australia (with state associations listed and linked)
www.outdooreducationaustralia.org.au
Australian Safety Laws and Guidance
Each Australian jurisdiction has mandatory legal WHS requirements that apply to all workplaces in Australia, including outdoor health practice
Safe Work Australia (National Framework)
Website: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
National WHS policy body providing frameworks, codes of practice, and guidance.
State and Territory Work Health Safety Regulators
WorkSafe Victoria
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Victoria – WHS compliance, business insurance guidance, incident reporting
SafeWork NSW
www.safework.nsw.gov.au
New South Wales – WHS requirements, risk management resources
WorkSafe Queensland
www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Queensland – WHS obligations, codes of practice
WorkSafe ACT
www.worksafe.act.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory – WHS compliance and support
SafeWork SA
www.safework.sa.gov.au
South Australia – WHS requirements and resources
WorkSafe Tasmania
worksafe.tas.gov.au
Tasmania – WHS compliance, risk management guidance
WorkSafe WA
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe
Western Australia – WHS requirements and support
NT WorkSafe
worksafe.nt.gov.au
Northern Territory – WHS obligations and guidance
These regulators provide:
- WHS legislative requirements for your jurisdiction
- Risk management frameworks and templates
- Incident reporting requirements
- Training and education resources
- Guidance on managing work-based risks
Last updated 20.10.2025
