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

Engineers Australia | September 2021

Creating Better Connections for Queenslanders

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Engineers Australia | May 2023

Decarbonising infrastructure: submission to Infrastructure Victoria

Engineers Australia recommends Infrastructure Victoria looks for consistency in collaboration with other Infrastructure bodies, and that they review Infrastructure Australia’s 2022 Replacement Materials report which shines a light on opportunities to use recycled materials in road infrastructure.

Defence Strategic Review cover
Engineers Australia | November 2022

Defence Strategic Review: engineering the future of defence

As the peak body for the engineering profession, Engineers Australia welcomes Defence Strategic Review and encourages the implementation of reforms to strengthen and prepare the Australian Defence Force for the challenges ahead.

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Engineers Australia | April 2023

Developing Australia's science priority

Engineers Australia's response to the federal government's statement Developing Australia’s Science and Research Priorities and National Science – a National Conversation Starter. We outline a brief summary of the most important challenges in engineering for Australia.

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Engineers Australia | March 2022

Discussion paper: integrating DER in the grid

This discussion paper is intended to stimulate a conversation about what is possible for DER integration, and how Engineers Australia should engage with it.