September 2025

Engineers take the floor

A new parliamentary group and a wave of international appointments are giving Australian engineers greater influence to shape policy, standards and solutions.

 

Parliamentary Friends of Engineering was launched at Parliament House by Tim Ayres, Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation, and Minister for Science, on Monday 1 September.

This non-partisan group is a key initiative to elevate engineering and the critical role it plays in nation-building and productivity.

It will give parliamentarians a forum to engage with engineers and their representatives, universities and research organisations. Its co-convenors are Senator Bridget McKenzie, and members of parliament Dr Andrew Charlton and Garth Hamilton.

Parliamentary Friends of Engineering is backed by Consult Australia, Engineers Australia, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) and Science and Technology Australia (STA).

“Engineers play a crucial role in Australia’s economy, with over half of industry value added generated in just six engineering-intensive sectors,” says Consult Australia CEO Jonathan Cartledge.

“Engineering businesses connect technical excellence with economic impact, driving innovation and delivering infrastructure needed for international competitiveness.

“The Parliamentary Friends of Engineering gives us a new platform to champion the profession, grow the skills pipeline and foster the collaboration needed for a more sustainable and prosperous nation.”

 

Australian engineers on a global stage

Meanwhile, several leading Australians now hold senior international roles helping to shape the future of the engineering profession. These leaders are:

  • Em Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO HonFIEAust FTSE, Chair of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA)
  • Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE, President of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS)
  • Mr Bill Cox Mr William (Bill) Cox FIEAust FTSE, Chair of the Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board, International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)

Joining a number of other Australian engineers shaping best practice in their respective disciplines, Professor Saeid Nahavandi FIET FIEEE FTSE FIEAust is incoming President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – SMC Society.

“We’re seeing Australian talent leading not just in ideas, but in shaping how the profession responds to critical issues like sustainability, technology and global collaboration,” says CEO of Engineers Australia Romilly Madew AO.

Engineers Australia, ATSE and Consult Australia are working together to ensure this international leadership translates into national benefit, strengthening innovation, commercialisation and skills development at home.

“This global leadership is no accident; it’s the result of decades of investment in Australian engineering and a culture of collaboration and innovation,” adds Kylie Walker, CEO of ATSE. “It gives us the chance to influence international standards, foster knowledge exchange, and accelerate the deployment of technologies that solve global problems.”

Learn more about Australian engineering's global leadership and national opportunity.

 

Share on