2023-03-23
The Professional Engineers Act 2023 was passed today in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti said the Act will give Canberrans greater confidence when engaging with engineers.
“The Professional Engineers Act 2023 establishes a mandatory registration scheme for professional engineers with monitoring and enforcement powers, which will maintain confidence in the services provided by professional engineers and uphold standards of practice across the industry” Minister Vassarotti said. “This is essential to support public confidence in building quality and protect the integrity of the engineering profession.”
“The scheme will give the public and businesses confidence that the engineers they engage have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide professional engineering services. The scheme will initially apply to the following five areas of engineering: Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Fire Safety.
“The ACT Government is now finalising the details for implementation and commencement of the scheme. Key elements include the appointment of a Professional Engineer Registrar, registration application processes, a code of practice and continuing professional development requirements. The ACT Government is working to have the scheme operational later this year, with further information for industry and the community to support the successful commencement of the scheme released soon.
“The ACT Government looks forward to continuing to work in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders on implementation of the scheme.”
The introduction of the engineer registration scheme is an ACT Government commitment in the 10th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement. The scheme responds to recommendations in the Building Confidence Report for a nationally consistent approach to the registration of certain categories of building practitioners, including engineers.
Information on the Professional Engineers Registration Scheme is available on the ACT Planning website.