Advocacy
RIA is driving policy change, supporting industry standards, and working to secure a stronger commercial future for professional restoration in Australasia. Every flood, every fire, every storm. Our members show up first, and they deserve to be recognised for it.
| Learn About Our Strategy | Support Our Advocacy |
0 Dedicated ANZSIC classification for restoration | $0 Government-funded training investment to date |
5+ Major advocacy milestones already delivered | Every Major disaster. Members on the front line. |
01. The Challenge
The Industry That Restores Australia Goes UnrecognisedThe restoration industry operates without a dedicated ANZSIC classification, funded training pathways, or consistent standards mandates, despite playing a critical role after every flood, fire, and storm. RIA is working to change that, through evidence, engagement, and a credible long-term advocacy programme. |
|
02. Our Mission
To position RIA as the authoritative voice of the restoration industry, supporting better outcomes for members, insurers, government, and the communities they serve.
• Stronger Industry Recognition Pursuing an ANZSIC classification and greater policy recognition so that government and insurers can better engage with the restoration sector. | • Evidence-Based Commercial Position Building independent cost data through the CODB study so members can have well-informed commercial discussions with insurers. | • Standards-Backed Practice Advocating for AS-IICRC standards to be embedded in regulation, supporting operators who already work to the highest benchmarks. |
03. Why Now
A combination of policy developments, industry achievements, and political context makes this an important time for RIA to engage.
01 Standards Australia Adoption AS-IICRC standards adopted as Australian national standards. The foundation for further regulatory engagement is in place. Done | 02 RICOP Launched Australia's first voluntary code of practice for restoration operators is live and open for subscription. Done |
03 Government and Policy Focus Government focus on insurance practices and disaster recovery has opened engagement opportunities for RIA. Ongoing | 04 Escalating Disaster Frequency The increasing frequency and scale of disasters puts restoration front-of-mind for government and community. Ongoing |
04. Our Evidence Base
In Progress • Cost of Doing Business (CODB) Independent research by Frontier Economics quantifying the true component costs of restoration work, to support informed commercial discussions with insurers. Learn More | In Progress • Economic Value Research (EVR) Measuring the restoration industry's GDP contribution, employment, and avoided costs. Makes the economic case for a well-supported restoration sector. Learn More | Available • RICOP Code of Practice Australia's first voluntary code of practice for restoration operators. Demonstrates the industry's commitment to good governance and consumer outcomes. Subscription is independent of RIA membership. Download RICOP |
In Progress • IICRC Partnership RIA is formalising its relationship with the world's leading restoration standards body, supporting joint advocacy, training, and industry development. Learn More | Adopted • Standards Australia Adoption AS-IICRC standards adopted as Australian national standards, elevating member practices to nationally recognised benchmarks. Learn More | • Evidence-led. Always. Every position RIA takes to government and insurers is backed by independent research and verifiable sources. View Full Evidence Base |
05. What This Means for Members
Stronger Commercial Position Independent cost data supports better-informed commercial discussions with insurers. | Policy Recognition An ANZSIC classification and appropriate policy frameworks make the sector visible and valued by government. | Standards and Credibility RICOP subscribers and AS-IICRC practitioners are better positioned with insurers and government bodies. |
06. Latest Updates
Regulatory Win SWA Code of Practice: All 32 RIA Recommendations Recognised Mar 2026 · 7 fully adopted, 12 partial, 13 in principle | Commercial Advocacy Rate Structures Position Paper: More Than a Line Item 2026 · Position Paper | Research Frontier Economics: CODB and National Economic Value Reports Underway 2026 · In Progress |
View All Updates and Wins →
This Advocacy Is Funded by People Like YouEvery contribution helps fund independent research, parliamentary visits, and professional advocacy. These activities require dedicated investment beyond membership fees. | Support Our Work |