June 2024

The influence of committees

The influence of committees

Consult Australia drives local advocacy through our active committees. Members with representatives on state and territory committees can create strategic business opportunities and influence government decision-makers for the betterment of industry.

Consult Australia’s advocacy work is proudly member-driven,” says Consult Australia’s National Policy Manager, Kristine Banks.

“Our committees influence state and local government reform on key industry issues such as procurement, pipeline visibility and market capacity. Medium and large firms in particular can derive great value from participating at the committee level.” 

Outgoing Chair of Consult Australia’s Tasmanian Committee, Jacobs’ Principal Consultant Catherine Searle, reflects: “It has been a really satisfying role for me with lots achieved in the last four years, and I’m sure the next co-chairs will continue the strong advocacy and raising the profile of Consult Australia in Tasmania.”

Aurecon also sees the value, with Sarah Iwaniw, Industry Director WA & NT, recently renewing for another term as Chair for the WA Committee.

Participation in Consult Australia committees is exclusive to full members and is one of the key benefits of membership.

Consult Australia is currently engaged in more than 30 government forums across the country. Committee members often represent the association at these forums to advocate on behalf of industry.

“For smaller businesses, regularly connecting with your Consult Australia state manager is a valuable alternative to share concerns and contribute to local advocacy efforts.”

Leadership transitions

There have been several recent movements in leadership positions across Consult Australia’s state and territory committees, as set out below. 

“We thank the outgoing chairs for their contributions and look forward to working with our new leaders. As our committees evolve, we continue to expand our influence and many voices shape the future of our industry,” Kristine concludes.

State/territoryOutgoing ChairCompanyIncoming Chair
Company
ACTJames CollettAureconShane HigginsSMEC
NSWRory WaddellGHDShane HigginsStantec
QLDShannon OrrGHDMelissa GriffithKBR
SABrigit PorterJacobsTim EnnisTonkin
TASCatherine SearleJacobsStephen Masters (Co-Chair) | Catherine DasGupta (Co-Chair)Pitt & Sherry | SMEC
WA  Sarah Iwaniw (Second term)Aurecon
VICRick KreeckBG&EJacqui BanksArcadis
NT GHDJuliette Jong (Co-Chair) | Jocelyn Ellero (Co-Chair)GHD | SMEC 

Ensure your business is getting the most out of Consult Australia membership by contributing to our advocacy. To learn more or get involved, visit our webpage for a full list of committees, roundtables, working groups and strategic forums, or contact your state manager.

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The influence of committees