President's Comment – January 2022
Many architects returned to work this week to a changed work environment (except in WA, of course), with staff testing positive for COVID or isolating as close contacts, unclear guidance from governments on working arrangements, and little chance of financial assistance if projects are disrupted or cancelled. Given the disruption to food supply chains, we can expect similar existing labour and material supply issues to worsen in the construction industry. Even working from home could be problematic for those whose families are sick or who live in shared accommodation.
The ACA has already planned a series of case studies of practices to understand the key issues we face in 2022. We are also preparing timely advice from our IR advisors, Fair Work Lawyers, regarding the employment law implications of this Brave New World, and we are keen to hear from members about what our priorities should be in the first quarter of 2022.
At the start of the pandemic we found the Pulse Check surveys and the ring-arounds of practices were much appreciated. What do you need this time? Through our membership of organisations such as the Australian Construction Industry Forum we do have an opportunity to lobby State and Federal Governments, but would value input from our members.
We encourage you to contact us with your questions and feedback on advocacy and suggested topics to ensure the ACA can help you over the coming months.
Please take the time to fill out our quick questionnaire here.
Alternatively, get in touch with your Branch Executive Officer or President with your comments, or email us directly at nat@aca.org.au.
Also, don’t forget that your membership benefits include our ACA Advisory, which provides members with access to specialist employment, legal and management advice from our expert partners at Moray & Agnew Lawyers, Fair Work Lawyers and Management by Design at no additional cost. Head to the ACA Advisory to ask a question.