SA Advocacy – December 2024 Update
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 engages regularly with the Department for Industry and Transport (DIT) to advocate for more equitable working arrangements. This is primarily done through the DIT Commercial Construction Industry Forum (DCCIF) which includes peak bodies representing the parts of the construction industry. Some of the items discussed at the October and November 2024 meetings include:
Director of Building Projects
The ACA was disappointed to hear of the resignation of John Harrison. In our dealings with John on DCCIF we found him to be solutions-focused and always willing to listen to the challenges architects and their teams encounter on DIT Projects. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
ACA & AIA
With common themes for both the AIA and ACA we have co-signed and co-authored documents in response to advocacy issues on DCCIF. We recently caught up to ensure this continues and we believe that a united approach to advocacy can only be beneficial to the industry.
AS 4122-2010
DIT now anticipates the release of AS 4122-2010 to be in March-June 2025.
PI Insurance
DIT will take on the direct engagement of asbestos consultants, removing the need for us to directly engage subconsultants that are not insurable under our PI Insurance, such as asbestos.
Cascading Consultancies Guide Note
DIT has requested the ACA and AIA review the Cascading Consultancies letter and re-issue with three key items that need to be addressed. Some of the items raised included evaluation criteria, value for money, administration on costs, probity, consistency and standard subcontract conditions and agreements.
Other Items
The ACA is in talks with Consult Australia to amend the ACA Sub-Consultant Agreement so that we can offer it to Government and other projects where we are required to engage Sub-Consultants on a back-to-back agreement. The aim for it is to become an industry standard that doesn’t require review by lawyers each time it is used. The Sub-Consultant Agreement is free to ACA Members.