Raising our profile and building meaningful relationships with government decision-makers has been a strong focus this year across the branches and nationally. Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Emma Brain offers a summary.

Justin Cucchiarelli and Stewart Caldwell lead the advocacy efforts in the ACA SA Committee, representing practices in our state when engaging with the Department for Industry and Transport (DIT). Here, Justin offers a glimpse of recent advocacy work in South Australia.

The ACA’s submission to the NSW Government on the Draft Building Bill 2024 is a critical part of our advocacy efforts for the architectural profession and our organisation. NSW/ACT Advocacy Spokesperson Stephen Pearse led the development of this submission and remains our conduit with the NSW Building Commissioner. Download our submission today!

The ACA is once again pleased to join Consult Australia’s End of Year Tender campaign, which advocates for a pause in new procurement activities over the Christmas break to prioritise the mental wellbeing of all.

The NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner recently delivered a report to the Premier and Treasurer on housing supply challenges and policy options in NSW. In a press release and letter to the Premier, the ACA highlights several areas of concern and offers recommendations to address these issues.

On Friday 16 August, the ACA attended a briefing session on the new Building Bill 2024. If passed in its current form, this Bill could significantly impact our profession and the quality of the built environment in NSW. The ACA NSW/ACT Committee seeks feedback from members about the impacts on your business and possible alternatives. Feedback due COB Friday 23 August.

The ACA responds to the recent Cladding Safety Victoria report on Compliance in Building Design. While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the ACA emphasises that architects have been disproportionately blamed for a problem that stems from complex, systemic failures across the entire construction industry. Consumers deserve a better system!

Justin Cucchiarelli leads advocacy efforts in the ACA SA Committee, dedicated to representing practices in his state when engaging with the Department for Industry and Transport (DIT). Here, Justin offers a glimpse of recent advocacy work in South Australia.

The ACA is actively working to amplify its voice on issues relevant to its members, the business of architecture, and practitioners’ wellbeing. We are intensifying our advocacy initiatives as we continue positioning ourselves as a vital link between the architecture profession and policymakers. 

After several months of committed advocacy and campaigning led by ACA WA Vice-President Kate Fitzgerald, the ACA WA is delighted to share that the once-deferred Medium Density Code has been reintroduced. This will help ensure the supply of well-designed housing in suburbs and infill precincts for the State.

The deferral of the Medium Density Code has dominated the activity of the WA Branch in recent weeks. While the ACA supports the Government’s mission to increase housing supply, we are concerned that the deferral will reduce the supply of well-designed housing in suburbs and infill precincts.

The ACA recently made a submission to the ANZSCO Comprehensive Review to request a new sub-category title of ‘Graduate of Architecture’. This important addition will assist in creating a more accurate picture of the profession today with more meaningful predictions of future numbers for workforce planning.

It’s been a busy month of advocacy for the ACA. National President John Held outlines some of the ACA’s current advocacy work and emphasises the importance of collaboration when trying to make a difference.

On 26 July 2023, the ACA made a submission to the Federal Government regarding Responsible AI in Australia as part of a consultation across sectors, professions and industries to identify and establish appropriate regulatory frameworks. The ACA will continue to engage with government as its AI policies are developed and implemented.

The ACA is proud to support the proposal by Alison Cox from TAFE NSW to allow the provision of all-gender amenities as deemed to satisfy under the National Construction Code (NCC).

In the ACA SA Committee, members are passionate and committed to representing the business of architecture and being a voice for practices in their state. Here, Justin Cucchiarelli offers a glimpse of recent advocacy work in South Australia.

The ACA WA Branch wrote to Minister Roger Cook ahead of his meeting with State Building Ministers to advocate for the lifting of Energy Performance Standards in the National Construction Code 2022.

The ACA VIC/TAS branch is pleased to inform its members that the proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, to reduce the number of members and remove the requirement for any member to be a registered architect, have been averted for now.

In the ACA SA Committee, members are passionate and committed to representing the business of architecture and being a voice for practices in their state. Here, Mario Dreosti, Catherine Startari and Simon Thomson offer a glimpse of their ongoing advocacy work.

The VIC/TAS branch of the ACA has made a joint statement with the Victorian chapter of the Institute in response to proposed changes to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), stating that consumer protection is under threat.

Immediate Past President of the ACA QLD/NT Robert Wesener provides a comprehensive update of the ACA’s advocacy efforts in Queensland.

The ACA has made a joint statement with the Institute and the AASA in response to the National Registration Framework.

The ACA has joined a coalition of nine peak industry bodies to call for credible, government-endorsed, public information regarding the airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the importance of indoor air quality.

Charmaine Kai, ACA member of the Expert Reference Group on the NSCA, provides an update on the key developments.

After extensive consultation, the ACA’s VIC/TAS Committee has submitted its response to the Victorian government’s Framework for Reform building review. Our executive summary outlines the ACA’s key priorities and the full submission is also available for download for further background and discussion of the issues.

We need to work together to advocate for improved contracts and procurement methodologies, says John Held.

The ACA welcomes the automatic mutual recognition scheme, which serves as a sound framework to create national harmonisation across the architectural labour force. However, several issues need to be addressed.

The ACA is calling for Government to fund and bring forward construction projects, prioritising strategically planned, well-timed projects, supported by effective procurement processes and equitable contract terms.

Is there someone exceptional within the architecture profession who you would like to nominate for an Australian Honour? The Order of Australia recognises Australians for outstanding service or exceptional achievement in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavours, including architecture.

The ACA, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects, has responded to the ABCB’s discussion paper on the proposed national registration framework, pointing out the problematic lack of distinction made between a registered architect and building designer.

The ACA welcomes NSW draft legislation and supports the NSW Government’s efforts on building quality.

The BMF announcement to adopt a consistent national approach to reform in the Australian construction industry is welcome news.

The release of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce Final Report and associated program of work is welcomed by the ACA, but the Federal Government must also take action to ensure a unified national approach.

The government must act now to ensure the design and construction of safe, well-constructed buildings and to restore public trust in Australia’s built environment.

The Building Confidence Report Implementation Plan has now been released. What does it mean for the architecture profession? Where are the opportunities and what are the challenges? How is the ACA working on a response? We present a summary of the plan and ACA commentary for each state and territory.

The NSW Government announcement of a new Building Commissioner to audit building design and construction does not go far enough. Government needs to investigate the construction contracting methods, relationships and behaviours that affect building quality and safety.

Warwick Mihaly outlines the findings of the recent survey on the banks and ABIC contracts. The worrying results provided the foundation for the joint submission to the Banking Royal Commission by the ACA, ArchiTeam and the Institute of Architects.

The ACA has joined forces with the Institute and ArchiTeam to condemn the unfair treatment of industry-standard construction contracts by banks in a submission to the Banking Royal Commission.

An inquiry led by former under treasurer, John Langoulant, into recent WA state government projects and contracts has revealed gross incompetence and highlighted the need for a major reformation to current procurement processes.

A joint submission to the WA Commission of Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects.

The ACA Industry Discussion Paper on Procuring Architectural Services aims to provoke conversation and thought about the role procurement plays in the development of our cities and communities.

ACA - SA has been working closely with the SA Department of Education and Child Development to introduce a new type of planning study for schools.

ACA - WA has submitted responses to four Design WA documents and policies.

The ACA - WA member survey on WA Development Assessment Panel and local authority Design Advisory Committees is providing an important evidence base for advocacy with the Minister for Planning.

The SA 2016-17 Budget features a major stimulus package for the construction industry, with $500 million allocated to upgrade school facilities. This is an opportunity for architects to show leadership and work collaboratively to deliver outstanding educational facilities.

ACA - SA is on the front foot with changes in government procurement - a report on the recent DPTI priorities survey.

Finally there is some movement on procurement reform in NSW. Steve Kennedy provides an update.

The ACA’s submission to the Treasury consultation on Extending Unfair Contract Term Protections To Small Businesses.