Engineer registration proposal wins Minister's support

A proposal to register engineers in Western Australia has won the support of both the WA division of Engineers Australia and the Housing and Works Minister, Michelle Roberts.

The proposal emerged after public consultation on a draft building Act for Western Australia.

"Engineers currently have a voluntary system of registration which is not consistent with other registered occupations such as architects and builders," Mrs Roberts said.

"The Department of Housing and Works has had initial discussions with Engineers Australia and they are supportive of this proposal."

"One suggestion is that we work towards a separate engineers Act, but more work needs to be done before we progress down that route."

The department and Engineers Australia had formed a joint group to work through the issues.

"This working group will research precedents and options as well as holding discussions with other state agencies from within WA and in other jurisdictions," the Minister said.

"I believe this is a great opportunity for the engineering profession and I am pleased they will be working side by side with the department on this project."

President of the WA Division of Engineers Australia, John Phillips, said Engineering Week 2006 provided an ideal opportunity for Engineers Australia to publicly support an engineers Act in WA.

"An engineers Act would give the public and the business sector certainty that the engineering expertise required for their needs is delivered by those who have the experience and necessary qualifications," Mr Phillips said.

"Also, engineering professionals should welcome the endorsement of registration under an engineers Act to reaffirm their position as the correct source of professional advice over other options."