Most engineers are currently working under a system where anyone can claim to be an engineer, provide engineering services and use it in their marketing without any regulation.

To protect the community and the profession, a registration system has been discussed in many states in territories. Currently, Queensland is the only jurisdiction with a full registration system.

For other states, there remains a huge risk to public health as operators are free to undertake engineering work without adequate skills or competencies.

While regulation has been debated within government and industry, public perceptions around registration remain positive.

A recent survey by OmniPoll commissioned by Professionals Australia found that 93 per cent of Victorians believe engineers in Victoria should be registered or licensed.

Despite this, many EA members still have questions about registration and how it will affect them and their business. In this feature, we aim to answer your top questions about registration.

Why not a national scheme?

Engineers Australia, as part of the National Engineering Registration board, has tried to develop a national scheme on a number of occasions.

Short electoral cycles, changing governments and varied state and territory bureaucracy have proved stumbling blocks towards a national approach.

When Victoria implements its scheme that aligns with the existing Queensland registration scheme, we will have taken a big step towards all states and territories adopting a system.

With other jurisdictions such as the ACT government committing to implementing a mandatory registration scheme, a national approach could be back on the agenda.

Aside from Queensland, all of the registration or licensing regimes in Australia are for engineers involved in the building sector. The regimes do not cover other areas of engineering like mechanical, electrical or aeronautical. The NER provides a registration for those other areas of expertise.

Read our full story on the continued approach for a national registration scheme.

Are criminal sanctions and search powers necessary?

Victoria’s Engineer Registration Bill 2018, makes reference to search powers by government inspectors. The bill says inspectors “may enter and search the premises, examine and seize anything found on premises”.

These proposed powers are not unlike other protections found in other professionals such as doctors, lawyers and architects who are subject to similar legislation provisions.

These search powers also already exist in other related legislation from construction and building codes and are closely regulated by ASIC. Hence, these powers are not a new development for those already working in the construction and related sectors.

Protection of natural justice and professional rights remain a concern under the proposed legislation and offences also have to be proven, prosecuted and convicted before a fine will be imposed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Isn’t this all unnecessary red tape?

Having an engineers register simplifies compliance requirements and limits red tape by removing the need for government registers.

A national register such as the NER removes the current inconsistencies across jurisdictions.

As with other professionals, engineering practitioners have a high degree of responsibility and liability imposed on them by courts and regulators.

The Act does not expose engineers to any new risks. Instead, it regulates standards and has the effect of lowering risks to the public by preventing unqualified “engineers” from entering the system.

Why the additional cost?

Co-regulation ensures competition, drives down costs and prevents monopolistic behaviour.  Costs in Queensland for registration now average just a few hundred dollars, with the vast majority paid by employers.

Ideally, under a national scheme, a single-file system with cross-jurisdictional recognition would be introduced. As more states and territories consider registration, this will be an outcome argued by Engineers Australia.

Accountants, lawyers and nurses all have roles for their professional associations in their accreditation.

For members of Engineers Australia who have not yet reached their Chartered qualification, a one-off assessment cost of $330 and a yearly cost of under $100 per year ($96) is in place under the NER.

All costs are tax deductible for members and non-members.