Engineers Australia has called for the introduction of a national engineering registration scheme, arguing that it would strengthen public safety, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and improve workforce mobility across the country.
--------------------------------
Appearing before the Senate Select Committee on Productivity at Parliament House, Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC said the current state-based approach creates structural barriers that prevent engineers from working efficiently across Australia.
Richards argued that a nationally consistent system would reduce duplicated registration requirements while improving professional accountability and public confidence.
“You can’t run an engineering workforce on postcodes,” she told the Committee.
The hearing also highlighted Australia’s continuing engineering skills shortage and the need to make better use of both locally trained and migrant engineers.
Richards raised concerns about the barriers experienced by migrant engineers seeking to enter technical roles in Australia, despite arriving with valuable qualifications and industry experience. She also called for more “learn and earn” opportunities that would allow engineering students to gain practical industry experience while completing their university studies.
Another key issue was the need for stronger engineering expertise within government. Richards said technical knowledge should play a greater role in public-sector decision-making, particularly in the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects.
Australia currently has approximately 546,000 qualified engineers. However, only about 250,000 are working in technical engineering positions.
Richards acknowledged that engineering qualifications also provide valuable skills that can be applied across business, government and other industries. However, the figures reinforce the importance of ensuring Australia makes full use of its existing engineering talent while developing a stronger pipeline of future professionals.
Engineers Australia’s message to the Committee was clear: improving productivity will require a nationally coordinated approach to engineering registration, education, workforce development and the recognition of overseas-qualified professionals