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.
NSW draft Building Bill consultation
Add your comments to our EAXchange thread before early October.
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:
Sustainable future - Through an engineering led transition to a circular and decarbonised economy, mitigating the impacts of climate change and delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure across sectors.
Skilled future - Through a highly-skilled and competent, ethical and diverse engineering workforce pipeline, supported by nationally consistent registration of engineers.
Innovative future - Through applying the engineering mindset to increasing innovation, productivity and national resilience, including the development and adoption of new technologies, such as AI.
Our submissions and reports
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.
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.
Draft 2022 Integrated Systems Plan consultation
Engineers Australia's recommendations to improve the Draft 2022 Integrated Systems Plan by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
Draft Core Skills Occupations List May 2024 submission
Engineers Australia's submission highlights key data which should be considered for the occupations targeted for consultation. We point out engineering is a multidisciplinary profession, so focus on individual disciplines or sectors may not resolve workforce issues; a more holistic approach should be taken to address challenges.
Draft Transport Access Strategy
Engineers Australia believes transport planning should be closely integrated with land use planning otherwise governments will be constantly in remedial mode, and there should be better separation between transport within population nodes (or centres) and between population centres.