Australia’s National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Australian Government, which recognises NATA as the country’s national authority for the accreditation of laboratories and inspection bodies.
Though NATA and the Australian Government have been engaged in these kinds of arrangements since 1988, the new MoU recognises NATA as the peak organisation for accrediting proficiency testing providers, as well as biobanks.
NATA will operate all accreditation programs including those supporting international trade, in compliance with the international standard for accreditation of conformity assessment bodies, ISO/IEC 17011.
The organisation says the MoU underpins the ongoing relationship between NATA and the government, and says the confidence in the reliability of testing results is a prerequisite for decision-making by governments, businesses, and individuals.
CEO Jennifer Evans notes the latest MoU provides confidence for industry and a hidden safety net for Australians.
“For more than 36 years, NATA has offered the reassurance in laboratory testing for the Commonwealth Government in Australia and now we continue that journey into new fields such as biobanking,” she says.
NATA provides accreditation for laboratories to ensure testing results can be relied on and trusted. The organisation provides assessment, accreditation, and training services to laboratories and technical facilities.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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