Engineers Australia has long advocated for a national registration system for engineers to enhance community safety. However, Queensland remains the only state in Australia to regulate its engineering workforce.

A regulatory system for engineers was an election promise of the state Labor Party prior to winning government in November 2014. The government introduced the Engineers Registration Bill into Parliament in 2018. It passed the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) in March, and was then referred to the Legislative Council (Upper House).  Here it languished until Parliament was dissolved ahead of the November 24 state election.

The Engineers Registration Bill 2018 was not alone in suffering this fate.  In an election year, and a Parliament mired in controversy and partisanship, many Bills – some equally as important to public safety – remain in limbo, awaiting the outcome of the election.

The Victorian Treasurer gave an assurance to the Engineers Australia CEO, Peter McIntyre, that registration is still a priority for the Labor party. Engineers Australia wants all parties to commit to re-introduce the Engineers Registration Bill within Parliament’s first 100 days.   

In the midst of an infrastructure boom Engineers Australia remains steadfast in its belief that the success of these projects is underpinned by the engineers charged with its delivery. A registration system will ensure that engineers working on these projects have a recognised engineering qualification; have at least five years of experience working in their area of practice; and an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development.  As importantly, they will be guided by a Code of Ethics that defines the values and principles that shape their decisions in engineering practice.