Meeting with Minister Staikos on ARBV reform

The ACA recently participated in a meeting with Victorian Minister for Housing and Building Nick Staikos, a representative from the Department of Transport and Planning, and representatives from the Australian Institute of Architects and ArchiTeam, to discuss the Victorian Government’s proposal to abolish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) and establish a new Business and Professions Regulator. ACA VIC/TAS President Paul Viney provides an update.

The meeting with Victorian MP Nick Staikos provided an opportunity for the profession to collectively express its concerns regarding the proposal and to emphasise the importance of maintaining robust, independent regulation of architects in the interests of public safety, consumer protection and professional standards.

While no formal decisions have been announced by Government, the Minister gave us the following undertakings:

1. that the proposal remains at an early stage of development
2. that any legislative changes are not expected to proceed during the current term of Parliament.
3. that further consultation with industry stakeholders will occur before any final decisions are made.

The ACA reiterated its position that any future regulatory framework must preserve the essential functions currently performed by the ARBV, including registration, professional standards, complaints handling, disciplinary processes and public protection. The ACA also stressed the importance of ensuring that the architectural profession retains a strong voice in the design of any future regulatory arrangements.

At this stage, there is no confirmed model for how architectural regulation may operate under any future structure, nor has a final decision been made regarding the form, governance or functions of a proposed Business and Professions Regulator. The ACA understands that all options remain under consideration and that the Government has not yet determined the final regulatory arrangements.

IMPORTANTLY, THE ACA’S CONCERNS REGARDING THE PROPOSED ABOLITION OF THE ARBV REMAIN UNCHANGED.

While the Government has indicated that further consultation will occur before any decisions are made, the future regulatory model has not yet been determined. The profession therefore has a critical opportunity to help shape the outcome.

The strong response from architects, practices, educators and industry stakeholders to date has played an important role in ensuring Government understands the significance of this issue. The commitment to further consultation is a direct reflection of the profession’s collective advocacy and engagement.

We encourage members to continue supporting the current petition and engaging with elected representatives and industry discussions. Continued participation will help demonstrate the profession’s commitment to maintaining effective, independent regulation that protects the public, upholds professional standards and preserves confidence in the profession.

The ACA welcomes the Government’s commitment to ongoing consultation and will continue to advocate for an independent, effective and appropriately resourced regulatory framework that serves both the profession and the Victorian community.

We thank members for their ongoing engagement on this important issue and will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.