Peak engineering body Engineers Australia has today welcomed the Albanese Government's announcement of $128.5 million investment over four years to fund 4,000 additional university places to help power the AUKUS workforce.

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO praised the Government for their commitment to addressing skills shortages in the engineering sector and acknowledging its significant role in Australia’s future.

“The recognition of the vital role engineers will play in AUKUS is not only a testament to the importance of engineering in safeguarding Australia's national security but also a commitment to ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of technological advancements,” Ms Madew said.

“AUKUS is one our nation’s biggest engineering endeavour since the Snowy Hydro project and the profession will be a critical voice in areas of regulation and oversight, as well as the operation and maintenance will be required to support this program”.

Madew said that while the initiative is a commendable step in the right direction, the ever-growing demand for engineers required further interventions.

“Australia’s engineering sector is at a tipping point and without urgent action projects such as AUKUS, the infrastructure pipeline and reaching net zero by 2050 will not be achieved,”

“Engineers Australia is calling on the Government to adopt the target of producing 60,000 additional engineering graduates by 2033. This will help cater to our nation's engineering needs and ensure that Australia continues to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

“Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. This investment highlights the government's understanding and appreciation of that fact. We remain committed to working alongside policymakers to ensure that Australia's engineering potential is fully realised.”