President’s comment – March 2025
ACA National President Paul Viney highlights the important role of the ACA and provides a rundown of branch initiatives and contributions, and a quick glance at future challenges and opportunities.
The ACA stands as an essential representative in the industrial relations landscape, ensuring that the voices of employees and employers are heard in the modern awards system. Founded by AIA representatives who saw the need for a dedicated employer advocate, the ACA has built a robust foundation that empowers each branch to carve its own path while benefiting from a unified national framework.
Branch initiatives and contributions
- Queensland/Northern Territory is an events-focused branch that has successfully established a direct line to the government in Queensland. It also holds regional meetings in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland, ensuring that all voices are heard.
- Western Australia has taken a leadership role in the built environment, forming a reference group that includes key industry representatives and government officials. Additionally, it focuses on small practice businesses, providing targeted support through the Business of Small Practice (BoSP) initiative.
- South Australia is at the forefront of government engagement and proudly runs the Keith Neighbour Graduate Study Program, ensuring that the next generation of architects is well-prepared for the profession. It also has a strong events program, running a popular annual Business of Design lunch and a series of roundtables.
- New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory has been leading the response to proposed changes in the Building Practitioners Act and Omnibus Legislation in NSW, integrating the Architects Registration Act to ensure a fair and effective regulatory framework.
- Victoria/Tasmania is actively engaged in building reform, working on the Building Reform Report, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Proposal, and establishing minimum documentation standards for Class 2 buildings. This branch has also been instrumental in developing the many business tools, templates and resources in the ACA Business Toolbox.
The strength of the ACA federated model
The ACA is large enough to have a meaningful impact on government policy, yet small and agile enough to understand and support the needs of our members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we personally reached out to every member on two separate occasions to check in on their wellbeing, demonstrating our commitment to the profession beyond mere advocacy. We continue to support our members through the work of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum.
At a national level, we provide essential coordination tools, including a salary calculator, fee calculator, resource-sharing system, industrial relations support, a dedicated website, and programs like the ACA Employee Assistance Program and our Reconciliation Action Plan. We also maintain strong relationships with universities through the AASA, fostering the next generation of architectural professionals.
Looking to the future
As we move forward, we must consider the integration of AI, competency-based CPD training, and financial security strategies to ensure the sustainability of our profession. We recognise both the need and benefit of working collaboratively with the AIA wherever possible, fostering a united front for architectural advocacy.
Our responsibility extends beyond supporting businesses – we are also committed to advocating for policies that uphold the integrity of our profession. The Architects Registration Act is not about protecting architects; it is consumer protection legislation. We must always view our work through the lens of public interest as well as our own professional needs.
If we are truly going to make a difference, we need to be the pragmatic voice to government. Too often, important conversations are drowned out by self-interest. Our role is to cut through the noise, present clear and practical solutions, and advocate for policies that ensure a sustainable, ethical and thriving architectural profession.
Together, we can shape the future of architecture in Australia.