Policy and advocacy

Publicly advocating for engineers for over 100 years.

As the voice of the engineering profession, an integral part of Engineers Australia’s role is to publicly advocate on issues that affect the profession and the broader community. An important part of this work is our policy and advocacy program. 

Our work

Engineers are enthusiastic contributors to public discussions about policy and issues affecting society. Our work is guided by three pillars that aim to realise Australia’s sustainable, skilled and innovative future.

We engage with both member and non-member engineers as well as representatives from business, education, government and other experts around Australia. With their input we develop and advance rigorous, evidence-driven policy that reflects the highest professional standards. 

Have your say 

Below are our open consultations. We encourage you to get in touch and work with us to strengthen the profession’s reputation for impact in public policy.

If you'd like to propose policy work, view our guides for member-delivered policy and advocacy or reach out to your division team.

If you have any questions about our policy and advocacy work, you can email us or call us on 1300 653 113.

Our approach

We undertake policy and advocacy work that: 

  • Benefits the community, and is in the national interest 
  • Advances the science and practice of engineering, and the profession itself 
  • Supports members to progress local, niche and emerging issues

Our policy and advocacy activities are underpinned by three pillars that focus on increasing Engineers Australia’s influence and impact on realising Australia’s:

Our submissions and reports

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Engineers Australia | September 2023

Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response 2023

Engineers Australia's response to the public consultation on Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response discussion paper.

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Engineers Australia | July 2022

ANZSCO classification of occupations update July 2022

Cover of Flood resilience and river catchments
Engineers Australia | October 2016

Auditor General’s report on Flood Resilience of River Catchments

This paper outlines the views of Engineers Australia concerning flooding and the improvement of the flood resilience of Queensland communities to flooding, in response to the Auditor General’s report Flood resilience of river catchments. 

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Engineers Australia | May 2024

Australia's Migration Program: review of the points test

Our submission to the review of the points test includes recommendations such as the development of a model for the requirements of the Professional Year in Engineering program, increasing points for those who gain employment following the program, prioritisation of skills needed and consideration of funding for initiatives like our Global Engineering Talent program.

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Engineers Australia | May 2016

Australian Consumer Law Review

Submission to Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand in relation to the review of the Australian Consumer Law.