Engineers Australia contacted local candidates to make sure they understand member priorities as voters head to the polls. 

With cost-of-living, health, housing and education taking priority ahead of polling day, Engineers Australia wanted to highlight the important role engineers play in all these investment areas.  

Investment in infrastructure to support the community can benefit from engineering support throughout a project’s life cycle. 

In our letter to candidates we called out engineering issues such as:   

• our support for the ACT Chief engineer and for wider engineering expertise to be embedded in government services, infrastructure delivery and public policy formation 
• our enthusiasm to see the Board of Engineering Excellence set up to provide valuable independent advice leading to high-quality performance of engineered systems and improved safety outcomes 
• ACT needs a strong pipeline of projects to support engineering skills with effective planning and certainty so the workforce can build for future demand   
• ACT needs to reform its education system to encourage engineering skills in primary and tertiary education with more STEM teachers specifically  
• engineers need incentives when returning from or taking career breaks 
• government needs to show encouragement for employment of skilled migrant engineers  
• ACT Government’s Pathway to Electrification needs bipartisan support to support engineering jobs required to reach our net zero target. 

Responses 

Amardeep Singh from the Canberra Liberal Party sent us a detailed response. He committed to ensuring engineering expertise is at the forefront of projects. He said your feedback and insights are invaluable as we shape our policies and approach. Specifically, he noted the party is planning significant investment in public infrastructure. They plan to not proceed with Stage 2B of the tram project and redirect funds to road upgrades and bus priority improvements. Mr Singh said the Liberal Party supports overhauling the planning system to improve transparency and community consultation. They also plan to release more land for detached housing undertaking a feasibility study into land at West Tuggeranong, alongside establishing a Minister for Housing Affordability and Choice. 

Ash van Dijk ACT Labor Secretary responded by saying that the ALP is committed to completing Stage 2A of the light rail network and plans to further extend it through National Triangle and towards Woden if elected. In their 2024 economic plan they have set the goal of having a total of 300,000 local jobs by 2030 and he says that Labor has a goal of net zero emissions by 2045. Public healthcare investment in both infrastructure and staffing will be a priority as well as building and renewing more public schools, with more teachers.  

Candidate Anna Whitty from the Canberra Labor Party thanked Engineers Australia for our advocacy priorities and stated that ACT Labor has an election commitment process. She also pointed out that she has shared our advocacy directly through that process with ACT Labor. 

Candidate Chiaka Barry from the Canberra Liberal Party said she would look forward to the opportunity to explore working with Engineers Australia to uplift Canberra if elected. 

Candidate Darren Roberts from the Canberra Liberal Party responded acknowledging the importance of engineers in the ACT and committed to take on the points raised in our letter.  

Candidate John Mikita from the Canberra Liberal Party acknowledged the amazing work engineers have done and continue to do to build the infrastructure that Canberrans need on a daily basis. His colleague, Shadow Minister and candidate Peter Cain MLA noted the letter has been taken into consideration by the Canberra Liberal Party. 

Candidate Martin Greenwood from the Canberra Labor Party acknowledged and supported the platform outlined in our letter stating that in previous roles in both the Chief Minister's office and Minister Steel's office he enjoyed working with Engineers Australia across a range of projects – including achieving the 2016 election commitment to establish a Chief Engineer. He said he is a strong advocate for long-term infrastructure planning and maintaining an ambitious, effective and achievable program of work. 

Candidate Riley Fernandes from the Independents for Canberra Party said she supported Engineers Australia’s priorities, stating that she recognises the importance of addressing the engineering skills shortage, investing in STEM education and ensuring engineers play a critical role in advancing renewable energy and infrastructure development. She said if she is elected, she will advocate for these needs within the Assembly. 

Candidate Sara Poguet from the Independents for Canberra Party said she supported Engineers Australia for our insights on critical policy areas. She stated she is committed to transparent infrastructure planning, addressing the engineering skills shortage, promoting cost-effective solutions and supporting sustainability efforts through decarbonisation and expert governance in the ACT. 

Candidate Sneha KC from the Independents for Canberra Party said she supported Engineers Australia priorities. She told us she is committed to robust infrastructure planning, addressing the engineering skills shortage and advancing sustainability through programs like the Pathway to Electrification. Ms Sneha said she would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues further.  

Minister Rebecca Vassarotti MLA Greens Deputy Leader and Mr Thomas Emerson from the Independents for Canberra Party, both acknowledged the letter. They were also present at the Candidates forum Engineers Australia co-hosted with Australian Institute of Architects, Planning Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (as was Sara Poguet from the Independents for Canberra Party). 

Labor Members Suzanne Orr MLA and Michael Pettersson MLA, Labor Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA and Greens Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury MLA all acknowledged the letter. 

ACT General Manager, Angela Harrison is looking forward to working alongside the incoming ACT Government to bring these to fruition.  

Authorised by Angela Harrison, Engineers Australia ACT General Manager, at 11 National Circuit, Barton ACT.