Advocacy in Action – December 2024 Update
This year, we have made a concerted effort to raise our profile and build meaningful relationships with government decision-makers. Why? We want to be a clear voice for the industry, representing the interests of our members, advocating for the value of architecture in all facets of the built environment, and improving business conditions for architecture practices of all scales. Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Emma Brain offers a summary.
Throughout the country, we have worked to enhance our partnerships with state Offices of Government Architects and other critical government departments. These efforts have been crucial in developing a more nuanced approach to effective advocacy. The recent webinar by Lindy Johnson and Rachael Bernstone provided valuable insights into effective strategic engagement, and we encourage all members to view the recording.
ACIF IN CANBERRA
Last month, our CEO Angelina Pillai was in Canberra for the annual ACIF meeting at Parliament House. This forum provided an opportunity to discuss key challenges with Federal MPs across all political parties. During the meetings, discussions encompassed critical issues facing the construction industry, including Australia’s housing shortage, climate change adaptation, energy transition, updates to the National Construction Code, payment security, and industry culture. Angelina addressed a pressing concern with Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training – the absence of meaningful incentives, funding or subsidies to support architectural graduates’ professional registration, urgently calling for the minister’s intervention. Read more about this issue in her CEO report.
While in Canberra, Ange met with Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP, in her parliamentary office. Elizabeth is the only qualified architect in federal politics, having run a large practice in Queensland for many years. She is also Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Urban Design, along with co-Chairs Graham Perrett MP and Cameron Caldwell MP. The group aims to foster bipartisan dialogue, raise awareness about urban design, collaborate with stakeholders on community wellbeing, and advocate for design practices that shape the nation’s identity and built environment.
We’re very pleased that Elizabeth has invited us to participate in this group, joining the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. We view this as another key channel to share issues relevant to our members and to position ourselves as a vital link between the profession and policymakers.
ADVOCACY IN THE BRANCHES
Our branches have been pursuing issues relevant to their communities and political environments. Here is a summary of their recent activities…
NSW/ACT
The NSW/ACT Committee has actively engaged with various industry associations to address current and proposed changes in the building and architecture sectors. They conducted a comprehensive consultation process for their NSW Building Bill submission, gathering insights from members and key organisations including Consult Australia, the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA), ArchiTeam and the Regional Architecture Association. They consulted again for their response to the NSW Housing Supply Review. The committee maintains close communications with the Building Commission’s Office and participates in regular discussions with the Government Architect to explore collaborative opportunities. They are also preparing to attend a Pattern Book meeting, with plans to keep members informed of developments as information becomes available.
QLD/NT
The QLD/NT Committee conducted a strategic planning session in September, focusing on supporting members and addressing industry challenges. They have resumed meetings with the Board of Architects of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Architects, collaborating to maintain professional standards. The branch engaged with the Office of the Queensland Government Architect and participated in key industry events, including the Natspec shareholders lunch and the Australian Architectural Schools Association AGM. Through these interactions with professional bodies, government organisations and educational institutions, the committee is working to support architectural professionals and address emerging industry trends.
SA
Justin Cucchiarelli and Stewart Caldwell from the SA Committee have led advocacy efforts with the Department for Industry and Transport (DIT) through the DIT Commercial Construction Industry Forum (DCCIF). Other recent activities include collaborating closely with the Australian Institute of Architects to address industry challenges, discussing the anticipated release of AS 4122-2010, and working on several key initiatives. These include reviewing the Cascading Consultancies Guide Note, negotiating changes to professional indemnity insurance practices for asbestos consultants, and standardising the existing ACA Sub-Consultant Agreement in partnership with Consult Australia. For more information, see the SA Advocacy update.
VIC/TAS
ACA VIC/TAS has actively engaged with state government and opposition on various building reform matters, including responding to the Cladding Safety Victoria report, submitting a joint proposal with the Australian Institute of Architects on building contracts, and addressing changes to the Registration Board. ACA VIC/TAS has emerged as a key industry voice, with increasing demand for its insights and expertise. They recently surveyed Victorian members to gather data on financial conditions, which will help shape advocacy to government and support the sustainability of the building industry in the years ahead.
WA
The WA Committee conducted a strategic planning session in September, where they discussed how to provide value to members through practical advice, resources and targeted advocacy. They continue to collaborate with the Built Environment Reference Group (BERG), a multi-organisation platform that meets monthly to discuss and advocate for urban development policies in Western Australia. Committee members Michel Greenhalgh and Kali Passmore have also been working with WALGA to improve architectural services procurement processes. These efforts demonstrate the branch’s commitment to supporting architects, influencing policy, and enhancing architecture’s role in shaping Western Australia’s built environment.