Article written by Engineers Australia Queensland President Dr Peter Ho AM.
I accompanied Engineers Australia National President John McIntosh on his visits to Townsville on 24 February and Brisbane on 25 February for an evening of open forum discussions with the Senior Officer Bearers and members.
The prime objectives of these discussions were to explain to members the priorities of the organisation, as the trusted voice of the profession in the community, and create a productive dialogue.
On both occasions, a panel was assembled including John, myself and local respected business leaders in various sectors. On the Townsville panel, our guests were Ergon Energy electrical engineer Simon Hickey MIEAust CPEng NER, Manager – Infrastructure Planning at Townsville City Council Graham Anderson FIEAust and UDP Group Managing Director Patrick Brady MIEAust.
In Brisbane, our panellists were Powerlink CEO Merryn York FIEAust CPEng NER, Director-General Department of Transport and Main Roads Neil Scales OBE FIEAust CPEng NER, and Engineers Australia Infrastructure Spokesperson Chris Warnock FIEAust CPEng NER.
After a short video and a brief introduction by John on the evolution of the organisation, the importance of developing a strategy to be more externally focus was clear. A variety of questions were raised, including operational issues in organising CPD, maintaining standards of our graduates, the involvement of the Senior Office Bearers in promoting the profession in the community, and clear explanation of what Thought Leadership involves.
Following the Road Shows, Engineers Australia General Manager Ian McEwan and I visited the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Regionals Groups, consolidating the Thought Leadership roles and the assistance that office staff can provide to organise CPD programs.
Throughout the industry, all members of the profession need to focus on raising and discussing relevant issues within their areas and disciplines. We welcome your input to develop policies to benefit key stakeholders, the profession, and the community at large.
As your President, I would be more than pleased to attend any metropolitan or regional meetings and activities to raise our collective voice on the key topics affecting the future of our profession and our State. Do not hesitate to contact me about your views on areas of interest.
Members are welcome to contact Dr Ho AM at [email protected]