Engineers Australia has welcomed an agreement by Commonwealth, state and territory treasurers to examine reforms that could pave the way for a national registration scheme for engineers.
The proposal, discussed at a meeting of all treasurers on 28 November, aims to improve productivity and ensure engineering work is carried out only by qualified and competent professionals under a unified national system.
Engineering registration is currently regulated separately across states and territories, resulting in what industry groups describe as regulatory gaps, duplicated costs and barriers to workforce mobility.
Earlier this year, Engineers Australia, Consult Australia, Professionals Australia and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia jointly called on Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers to consider a more streamlined national approach.
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO said the latest commitment from governments marks a significant step forward.
“A national scheme for engineers would streamline regulation, improve safety outcomes and help Australia meet its future infrastructure and workforce needs,” Madew said.
She added that identifying engineering licensing as a focus area under National Competition Policy “is an acknowledgement of the importance of the profession in keeping our economy productive and competitive.”
Madew said Engineers Australia looks forward to continuing work with governments “to develop a best practice national registration scheme.”
Consult Australia CEO Jonathan Cartledge said a nationally consistent framework would have substantial economic benefits.
“A national registration scheme for engineers would be a high-impact reform. Across our membership, we estimate more than $54 million is tied up in duplicated registration costs caused by inconsistent state systems,” Cartledge said.
“That’s money engineering businesses could invest in skills and technology to lift productivity.”
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia CEO David Jenkins said consistency across jurisdictions is particularly important for public sector engineers.
“A nationally consistent registration framework is essential to build public confidence and strengthen the capability of our engineering workforce,” Jenkins said.
“Local government engineers in particular need a system that supports mobility, competence and accountability across every jurisdiction.”
