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

Grey background with red title, reading 'transport and infrastructure net zero consultation road map',  in large red brakcets
Engineers Australia | July 2024

Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap submission

This submission voices support for the proposed policy developments and general agreement with the anticipated net zero pathways. We present a diverse range of actions to maximise the opportunities presented by decarbonising the sector. Recommendations are summarised in our submission.

Grey background with red title, reading 'Australian Tertiary Education Commission (AETC)',  in large red brackets
Engineers Australia | July 2024

Universities Accord ATEC submission

Engineers Australia commends the Federal Government's commitment to establishing the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) and suggests recommendations to ensure design and implementation.

aqua background with navy document symbol
Engineers Australia | September 2023

Universities Accord Interim Report submission

Engineers Australia suggests three priorities for action by Government to improve the pipeline of Australian engineers.

Cover of Value capture and infrastructure funding
Engineers Australia | February 2017

Value Capture and Infrastructure Funding

Engineers Australia argues that enhanced investment in economic infrastructure is long overdue and welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Government’s discussion paper “Using value capture to help deliver major land transport infrastructure: roles for the Australian Government”.

Cover of Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy
Engineers Australia | October 2016

Victoria's Draft 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy

Engineers Australia has long called for the establishment of an independent body to advise government on critical infrastructure objectives to support long-term social, economic and environmental outcomes for our great state.