The Professional Engineers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 was introduced to the Queensland Parliament by Hon. Tim Mander MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works, on 22 May 2014.
Engineers Australia lodged a submission to the review of the Act, however, it would appear that mainly administrative changes to the Act have been adopted in the Bill. While we support these changes, we will continue to advocate for future enhancements to the Act.
Message to the Members of Engineers Australia from Hon. Tim Mander MP:
Amendments to the Professional Engineers Act
On 22 May I introduced the Professional Engineers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 to Parliament. This bill delivers on the Government’s commitment to cut red tape and is an important part of our strong plan for a brighter future.
This Bill will make a number of amendments to the Professional Engineers Act 2002 and will clarify definitions in the act to provide greater clarity and guidance to stakeholders.
Around 25 percent of engineers registered in Queensland don’t live in the state. Yet, some interstate engineers provide professional services for Queensland projects without being registered here.
This is why we are making it clear that any person undertaking professional engineering services for projects based in Queensland, whether they are based in or out of the state, must be a registered professional engineer or working under the direct supervision of one.
The Government has listened to industry and we are introducing a new category of non-practising engineer to cater for retired engineers, engineers on maternity leave or other career breaks. This will allow people to remain registered but unable to offer or provide professional engineering services.
In regards to the Board of Professional Engineers, all penalties and fees recovered by the board under the Act will be paid to them. This money will be used to assist with the costs of investigatory and disciplinary action the board undertakes.
The changes to the Bill also expand the board’s options regarding unregistered engineers, such as to caution, reprimand or enter into undertakings, to help reduce lengthy and expensive prosecution processes.
The Bill has been referred to the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee which is due to table its report on 18 August 2014. For more information visit http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/THLGC
Tim Mander
Minister for Housing and Public Works
The Professional Engineers Act 2002 requires anyone providing an Engineering Service in Queensland to be registered by the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland. For more information visit the Board's website www.bpeq.qld.gov.au.
For information about Employer's Obligations under the Act click here.