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

Australia’s Research Priorities

Engineers Australia's response to the public consultation on the Australia’s Research Priorities discussion paper. 

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Engineers Australia | December 2018

Automated Mass Transit

Engineers Australia's submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities. 

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Engineers Australia | November 2023

Aviation green paper submission

This paper outlines Engineers Australia's submission to the Australian Government's Aviation Green Paper: Towards 2050, addressing key areas such as sustainability, emerging aviation technologies, airport development, disability access and the future workforce in aviation. Recommendations are summarised in our submission.

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Engineers Australia | October 2021

Barriers to employment for migrant engineers

Overseas-born engineers make up over 58 per cent of Australia’s engineering workforce but are significantly more likely than their Australian-born counterparts to be unemployed. To find out why and identify how to overcome the barriers to employment these engineers face, Engineers Australia commissioned research to identify potential barriers to employment.

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Engineers Australia | September 2020

Brisbane City Council Green Bridges Program

Engineers Australia's submission to the Draft Reference Design for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge and the Concept Design for the Breakfast Creek Green Bridge.