Some Engineers Australia members may not be aware that in mid-2016 the Board of Directors agreed to merge the special interest group committees for Associates and Technologists at a national level, after having a business case prepared by the incumbent chairs of both committees.
The outcome is that both Associates and Technologists have a singular voice in advocacy to the engineering profession in regards to their contribution and need for further recognition.
Within Victoria, most members would be aware that the Victorian Government is preparing legislation to require practicing engineering professionals to be registered very similar to the current Queensland RPEQ model. Engineers Australia’s Professional Standards registrar provided a formal response to the Governments industry consultation.
The Engineers Australia’s submission sent a very clear message to Government that any registration must cover all occupational categories recognised under the International Educational Accords, these obviously include Associates and Technologists.
While no formal public decision has been made on the registration model yet, it is most likely that within the first round of implementation that both Associates and Technologist will not be considered nor be eligible for registration within Victoria for professional practice.
It is now more than ever that Victoria requires a strong leadership within the Victorian special interest group committee for Associates and Technologists, this group will aid in the long term promotion and acknowledgment of the contribution provided by Associates and Technologists alongside the Divisional and National Staff at a local level.
Engineers Australia members interested in becoming a member of this newly created Victorian special interest group are asked to register their details here.
A meeting to establish the committee and the short and long term goals will be scheduled in the future. This group will not require travel to Melbourne to participate, Engineers Australia has both phone and video link facilities that will enable members located external to the metropolitan area to participate without the need for lengthy travel commitments.