Consult Australia’s advocacy team is off to a flying start in 2024, with several submissions prepared, partnerships mapped out and a survey underway.
“Many issues we are focused on in 2024 are not new and have been on our agenda over multiple years,” Kristy says.
“There are, however, new policy developments – like the proposed ‘fit for purpose’ obligation in New South Wales and the federal Competition Review – that present opportunities for us to start new conversations with governments on regulatory reform,” Kristy says.
The NSW Government’s proposed Practice Standard for Professional Engineers, for instance, includes an “untenable fit for purpose obligation,” that will keep Kristy and her team burning the midnight oil throughout 2024.
The Australian Government’s Competition Review, announced in August 2023, will also be a key priority for Consult Australia. The two-year review will focus on priorities to modernise Australia's economy. Kristy notes that it “opens the door to suggest changes to misleading conduct provisions to remove some of the unreasonable claims against our members”.
The current law recognises the unique attributes of engineering and architecture services by providing an explicit exemption from the ‘fit for purpose’ consumer guarantee, Kristy adds. “This exemption is critical to deliver the purpose of the legislation, which is to improve competition. Without such an exemption, there would be a well-evidenced existential threat to engineering and architectural small businesses. Therefore, we will be holding strong to retain that exemption.”
Consult Australia has already lodged a Federal Pre-Budget Submission and made two submissions in New South Wales on professional indemnity insurance and procurement practices in government agencies.
“We have hit the ground running for our members in 2024. But we need, more than ever, for our members to engage with us. Understanding our areas of focus means our members can support our work and take action.”
Consult Australia's 2023 Capacity Crunch report captured the attention of government and media last year, and Kristy wants to further elevate the 2024 instalment. “Our member surveys give us a nuanced view of the issues that are top of mind for our members and fuel our advocacy. This year the survey will include questions on pipeline confidence and the availability and affordability of professional indemnity insurance, for instance.”
Thought leadership reports, collaborations with other industry associations and contractual discussions with government clients will all benefit from the evidence base provided by the Capacity and Confidence Survey, Kristy adds.
“We have one clear call to action to kick start 2024. Please complete the Capacity and Confidence Survey.”
Consult Australia’s Capacity and Confidence survey is open until 4 March, takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.