In an interview with Sarah Macdonald on ABC Radio Sydney this morning, Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO has reaffirmed the peak body's support for the New South Wales Building Commission, while calling for a collaborative effort to enhance building outcomes across the state. 

Ms Madew emphasised the responsibility for lifting standards is a whole of industry responsibility, incorporating builders, architects, developers, engineers, and designers alike.

“Engineers Australia advocates for constructive engagement between the regulator and the broader industry, which is why we have asked the NSW Building Commission to urgently convene an industry roundtable to aid dialogue among stakeholders,” Ms Madew said. 

“Calling out on social media or attributing blame without evidence is not constructive.  What is constructive is a system where individuals in the process are responsible for their actions.  We play our part, but we are not the regulator.  The NSW Building Commission has powers to compel evidence and they should use them appropriately and refer any substantial evidence to member organisations so we can play our part.” 

Engineers Australia has established processes for addressing any complaints against its members. The organisation will continue to encourage the Commission to utilise these processes through formal complaints should there be concerns regarding the conduct of Engineers Australia members.

Engineers, like all professionals, are entitled to procedural fairness. It is crucial that the regulatory processes are followed to prevent potential adverse effects which impact on the community as well as the industry.

“Regulators and the industry all want reform.  What none of us wants is an atmosphere which drives engineers and others out of NSW or reform which needlessly drives up costs for consumers.  We can work together to keep costs down and improve outcomes.  That’s what we want to work with the Building Commission and everyone involved in the industry to achieve," Ms Madew said.

Engineers Australia calls for an engaged and constructive dialogue with the whole building industry to address concerns and develop appropriate solutions collectively.